Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday conducted an aerial survey of areas affected by floods, cloudbursts, and heavy rains in Punjab. He later held an official review meeting in Gurdaspur to assess damage and ongoing relief and rehabilitation measures.
During the visit, PM Modi announced financial assistance of Rs. 1,600 crore for Punjab, in addition to the Rs. 12,000 crore already available with the state. Advance release of the second instalment of the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and funds under the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme was also assured.
The Prime Minister emphasized a multi-dimensional approach to restore the region and support affected communities. Measures include rebuilding homes under the PM Awas Yojana, restoring national highways, reconstructing schools, providing relief through the PM National Relief Fund (PMNRF), and distributing mini kits for livestock.
Special support will be extended to farmers, including refurbishment of silted or damaged bore wells under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana, solar panel support for diesel-run bore pumps under MNRE, and micro-irrigation assistance under the Per Drop More Crop initiative. Damaged government schools will be supported under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, and rainwater harvesting and recharge structures will be constructed under the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari program.
PM Modi met families affected by the floods, offering condolences to those who lost their lives. He announced ex-gratia payments of Rs. 2 lakh for the next of kin of the deceased and Rs. 50,000 for the seriously injured. Children orphaned due to the floods and landslides will receive comprehensive support under the PM CARES for Children scheme.
The Union Government has deployed inter-ministerial central teams to Punjab to assess the extent of damage, with further assistance to be considered based on their reports. The Prime Minister praised the efforts of NDRF, SDRF, Army personnel, and other agencies for their prompt relief work and assured full central support for the restoration and rebuilding of infrastructure in affected areas.
PM Modi acknowledged the gravity of the situation and reaffirmed the Central Government’s commitment to ensuring timely and comprehensive aid for Punjab’s flood-affected communities.