The North News
Chandigarh, September 27
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said that the recent floods have submerged more than 2,300 villages, displaced over two million people and destroyed crops on five lakh acres of farmland. He added that 56 lives were lost, about seven lakh people were rendered homeless, 3,200 schools and 19 colleges were damaged, 1,400 hospitals and clinics were ruined, and 2,500 bridges collapsed. Initial estimates put the damage at ₹13,800 crore, though the actual figure could be higher.
The Chief Minister told the Punjab Vidhan Sabha during a special session on Friday that the floods represented one of the worst disasters in the state’s history. Alongside the human toll, he said nearly 8,500 kilometres of roads had been washed away, severely impacting connectivity and economic activity. Mann accused opposition parties of politicising the tragedy, saying they were more concerned with criticising the government and seeking media attention than supporting relief and rehabilitation efforts. He called such behaviour “opportunistic and insensitive”, adding that people would not forgive leaders who betrayed them in their hour of need.
He also criticised the Union government, arguing that Punjab had often stood at the forefront of national challenges—feeding the country, guarding its borders and contributing to the freedom struggle—yet was being left to face natural disasters with limited support. He called the ₹1,600 crore central aid announced so far “insufficient” given the scale of devastation. Mann warned that if necessary, he would lead a protest outside the prime minister’s residence to demand adequate funds for rebuilding Punjab. He said he would not be deterred by federal agencies and vowed to continue fighting for the state’s interests.
The Chief Minister added that desilting work carried out by his government in rivers and drains had reduced the impact of floods in some areas. He also questioned the accuracy of forecasts by the India Meteorological Department, saying rainfall levels in some regions were far higher than predicted.
Mann praised the army, volunteers and young people who risked their lives to rescue residents, and announced the creation of the Rangla Punjab fund to mobilise resources for rehabilitation. He said the government’s focus would now shift to rebuilding infrastructure, restoring livelihoods and ensuring long-term flood resilience.
Highlights
- Floods submerged more than 2,300 villages in Punjab.
- Over two million people were affected.
- 56 lives lost and seven lakh people displaced.
- Crops destroyed on five lakh acres of farmland.
- 3,200 schools, 19 colleges and 1,400 hospitals damaged.
- 2,500 bridges and 8,500 km of roads washed away.
- Estimated losses of ₹13,800 crore, possibly higher.
- Mann accused opposition of politicising the crisis.
- CM criticised central aid of ₹1,600 crore as insufficient.
- Rangla Punjab fund launched to support relief and rehabilitation.
