The North News
Chandigarh, September 18
Punjab’s government says it has intensified recovery efforts in flood-hit villages, spending more than ₹10 crore in the past four days on debris removal and desilting. Rural Development and Panchayats Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond said the clean-up was being carried out under the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann. He added that ₹17.54 lakh had been spent on the disposal of 259 dead animals, with the process expected to be completed by 24 September. Cleaning of ponds is due to finish by 22 October.
The minister said repairing damaged community assets in rural areas would cost an estimated ₹153 crore, with urgent works set to be completed by 15 October. To curb the risk of disease, 543 fogging machines have been deployed in affected areas, with another 750 to be added soon. Sond said Gram Sabhas had been convened in all 2,280 flood-affected villages to prioritise tasks and ensure accountability. Once completed, further meetings will be held to verify expenditures and progress.
District-level sub-committees led by block or district development officers will begin inspections from 19 September, tasked with submitting weekly verification reports, monitoring fund use and maintaining photographic records before and after works.
