Prime Minister Narendra Modi conducted an aerial survey of the flood-ravaged areas in Punjab on Tuesday. On a day-long visit to Punjab and neighbouring Himachal Pradesh to review the flood situation in the two states, Modi landed in Gurdaspur, one of the worst affected districts in the state, after the aerial survey.
Following the assessment, the Prime Minister announced a financial assistance package of ₹1,600 crore for Punjab, in addition to the ₹12,000 crore already available in the state’s kitty. The aid will include the advance release of the second instalment of the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and support under the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme.
PM Modi also announced ₹2 lakh ex gratia for the next of kin of those who lost their lives in the floods, ₹50,000 for the injured and comprehensive support under the PM CARES for Children scheme for children orphaned by floods.
The Prime Minister underlined the need for a multi-dimensional recovery plan, including rebuilding homes under the PM Awas Yojana, restoring highways, reconstructing schools and supporting farmers through special measures under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana.
He also assured that damaged schools would receive financial support under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, while rainwater harvesting structures would be repaired and expanded under the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari program to ensure long-term water security.
Modi met flood-affected people as well as NDRF and SDRF teams in Gurdaspur, besides chairing an official meeting to review the situation. Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, Punjab Agriculture minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian and Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu also attended the meeting.
While leaving from Delhi for Himachal Pradesh and Punjab earlier in the day, PM Modi wrote on X, "The Government of India stands shoulder to shoulder with those affected in this tragic hour.”
Punjab BJP chief Sunil Jakhar, Punjab BJP working president Ashwani Sharma, senior party leader Tarun Chugh and Union minister Bittu were present when Modi was interacting with the flood-affected farmers in Gurdaspur.
The death toll due to the devastating floods in Punjab stands at 51. In all, 2,064 villages have been impacted by floods with the maximum 329 villages in Gurdaspur district.
Tight security arrangements were in place in Gurdaspur in view of the Prime Minister's visit. The AAP government had demanded a relief package of at least Rs 20,000 crore for the state ahead of the PM’s visit.
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