Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Wednesday visited Kolain village in Pathankot, one of the worst flood-affected areas, and assured residents that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is personally monitoring the situation and that damaged homes will be rebuilt.
During his visit, Singh said, “We want to assure people that PM Modi himself is concerned about Punjab. He is monitoring the situation on a daily basis and receiving regular briefings. I personally held a virtual meeting with the Deputy Commissioners of 23 districts of Punjab.”
He further added that relief measures are already being implemented for those whose houses were washed away. “There are two types of arrangements for the affected families. First, temporary shelter has been provided. Second, wherever land has been eroded, we will ensure that reconstruction is carried out in a way that homes are stronger and better than before,” Singh stated.
Meanwhile, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi wrote to PM Modi, urging him to announce a comprehensive relief package for Punjab. He claimed the state has suffered damages worth at least ₹20,000 crore, and that the Union government’s initial announcement of ₹1,600 crore does not adequately address the crisis.
Rahul Gandhi, who recently visited flood-hit areas in Punjab, said he witnessed large-scale destruction and immense human suffering. According to him, more than 4 lakh acres of paddy crop have been destroyed, over 10 lakh animals have perished, and lakhs of people—mostly from marginalised communities—have lost their homes.
In his letter, Gandhi stated, “This is the hour of Punjab’s need. The Centre and people of the country must reassure every farmer, soldier, and family in Punjab that India stands with them.”
PM Modi had earlier visited Punjab on September 9 to review the flood situation. He conducted an aerial survey of the affected regions and held a review meeting in Gurdaspur with officials and elected representatives.
The Prime Minister announced financial assistance of ₹1,600 crore for Punjab, in addition to the ₹12,000 crore already allocated to the state. The government also declared the advance release of the second instalment of the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi.
On the same day, PM Modi visited Himachal Pradesh to assess the damage caused by cloudbursts, heavy rains, and landslides. He announced ₹1,500 crore in financial assistance for Himachal, along with the advance release of SDRF funds and PM Kisan Samman Nidhi.
-ANI