The North News
Chandigarh, September 13
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has announced a ₹100 crore mega rehabilitation and cleanliness campaign in flood-affected areas across the state, saying the government aims to restore normal life and prevent disease outbreaks. Speaking in Chandigarh on Saturday, Mann said floodwaters had receded in many areas but large amounts of silt and debris remained across villages and towns. The state government has formed teams with JCB machines, tractors and labour to clear 2,300 affected villages and wards by September 24.
The Chief Minister said animal carcasses would also be removed, followed by fogging operations to check the spread of disease. By October 15, he said, repair work in public spaces would be completed, and by October 22, cleaning of ponds would be finished. Medical camps will be set up in all 2,303 affected villages, with 550 ambulances deployed. Existing Aam Aadmi Clinics in 596 villages will serve as health centres, while temporary camps will be established in schools, community halls and panchayat buildings elsewhere.
Mann said about 2.5 lakh animals in 713 villages had been affected. Veterinary teams have been deployed to disinfect shelters, remove spoiled fodder, and vaccinate livestock by September 30.
The Chief Minister also announced that crop procurement will begin early this year from September 16, with flood-hit mandis cleaned and ready by September 19.
He criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing it of neglecting Punjab during the crisis and attempting to divert attention with “irrelevant talk.” He pointed to figures from the State Disaster Response Fund showing that since 2010 Punjab had received ₹5,012 crore, of which ₹3,820 crore had been spent on disaster relief.
Mann urged all political parties, NGOs and citizens to work together, saying: “Punjab must emerge stronger from this disaster.”
