Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): In a major acknowledgment of the devastation caused by recent torrential rains, the central government has officially classified Punjab as a “severely flooded” state. The designation follows detailed field visits by Union Ministers Jitendra Singh and Jitin Prasada to the worst-affected regions of Pathankot and Gurdaspur, where they reviewed the extensive damage caused by the flooding.
The announcement is expected to significantly boost the state’s access to central assistance, especially in the form of long-term financial support for rebuilding critical infrastructure. Punjab, which is grappling with the aftermath of one of its most destructive floods in decades, is now set to receive a soft loan of Rs 595 crore under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) initiative. The loan, offered on favorable terms with a 50-year repayment window, will be directed toward restoring public assets damaged by floodwaters.
This move brings welcome relief for local authorities, who have been struggling to fund repair efforts amid growing public pressure and mounting losses. While compensation for damaged crops will continue under existing disaster relief norms, those whose homes were affected may now receive enhanced aid due to the new classification.
Earlier, the Punjab government had already stepped in with increased compensation for agricultural losses—announcing Rs 20,000 per acre, far exceeding the standard Rs 6,800 per acre provided under the State Disaster Response Fund. This step was aimed at easing the burden on farmers who faced complete crop failure in many regions.
Officials have confirmed that a high-level meeting will take place on Friday, led by Chief Secretary KAP Sinha, to finalize specific areas where further funding will be sought. The focus will likely include repair and reconstruction of roads, schools, government buildings, and other key infrastructure damaged during the floods.
With entire communities still dealing with waterlogged conditions and disrupted livelihoods, the Centre’s recognition of the flood’s severity brings some hope of accelerated recovery. State leaders have welcomed the move, calling it a necessary step in addressing the scale of destruction and ensuring timely rehabilitation for affected citizens.
The weeks ahead will be critical as the government prioritizes its spending under the enhanced support. For many residents, the challenge now lies not only in rebuilding homes and farms but also in restoring a sense of normalcy that was swept away by the rising waters.
