Gurdaspur (Punjab): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced a financial package of ₹1,600 crore for flood-hit Punjab, in addition to the ₹12,000 crore already allocated to the state.
During his day-long visit to Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, the PM conducted an aerial survey of affected areas before landing in Gurdaspur, one of the worst-hit districts. He met flood-affected families, as well as teams from the NDRF and SDRF, and chaired a review meeting with state officials and ministers.
Key announcements included:
- Ex-gratia: ₹2 lakh to the next of kin of the deceased and ₹50,000 to the injured.
- Advance release of the second instalment of the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi.
- Support under PM Awas Yojana for rebuilding homes.
- Restoration of highways, reconstruction of schools, and distribution of mini livestock kits.
- Additional relief from the PM National Relief Fund (PMNRF).
The PM stressed a multi-dimensional recovery plan, assuring that the Union government would extend all possible support.
Punjab is currently reeling under one of its worst floods in decades, triggered by swollen rivers Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi, coupled with heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh, J&K, and the state itself.
So far, 51 lives have been lost, while crops across 1.84 lakh hectares have been damaged.
