The Punjab government has issued orders for special ‘girdawari’ (loss assessment) for crop losses suffered by farmers and other damages borne by people in flood-affected districts so as to provide them “complete compensation”.
Announcing this during a visit to flood-affected areas in villages of Sultanpur Lodhi in Kapurthala district, Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal said orders have been issued for special 'girdawari' in Sultanpur and Bholath tehsils of Kapurthala district for crop compensation. He said Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is personally monitoring the relief operations in areas affected by rising river water levels.
The minister said the government has deputed eight ministers to personally monitor relief operations. A comprehensive report has been sought from the Chief Engineer (Drainage) on desilting of Beas river, which will be implemented after the water levels recede, he said.
Goyal said the government's focus is on relocating people to safer places and providing them healthcare services, sufficient ration and fodder for their livestock. The affected areas have been divided into sectors for relief work and responsibilities have been assigned to officers.
The minister also travelled in a boat to distribute dry ration among affected villagers of Sangra. During his interaction with the affected families, he listened to their problems and asked officials to provide them all possible assistance.
The minister said the government has spent Rs 276 crore on flood prevention measures. Besides, 4 lakh sand-filled bags have been kept ready for embankment as and when the need arises.
The worst-affected areas are Tanda in Hoshiarpur district, Sultanpur Lodhi in Kapurthala district and some villages in Ferozepur, Fazilka and Tarn Taran districts.
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