Punjab Battles Worst Floods in 50 Years; Govt. Demands Centre’s Support Amidst Rising Toll

Chandigarh:Punjab is reeling under what officials have described as the worst floods in five decades, leaving behind a trail of devastation that has engulfed villages, farmlands, homes and lives across the state. The relentless monsoon rains in Punjab and neighbouring hill states have triggered an unprecedented crisis, forcing lakhs of people to flee their homes and pushing the state government into an all-out relief operation.

Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema said that nearly 2,000 villages in 22 districts stand affected, impacting over four lakh people. The official death toll has climbed to 46 lives across 14 districts, with three persons still missing in Pathankot. “This is not just a natural calamity; it is a test of our collective responsibility. Punjab has responded swiftly and compassionately, but we need the Centre to stand with us, not against us,” Cheema told reporters at Punjab Bhawan.

Crops and Economy Devastated

The agricultural sector, often described as the backbone of Punjab’s economy, has borne the brunt of the floods. Over 1.74 lakh hectares of standing crops have been destroyed across 18 districts. Gurdaspur, Fazilka, Ferozepur, and Kapurthala are among the worst-hit districts, with fields of paddy and maize now submerged under muddy waters. Livestock losses and damage to public infrastructure have further worsened the crisis.

Cheema underlined the urgency of immediate financial assistance. “Punjab is owed over ₹60,000 crore in pending GST compensation, RDF & MDF, and PMGSY funds. The Centre must release these dues without delay. The Chief Minister has written to the Prime Minister, but even after 25 days there has been no response. This silence is painful,” he said.

Relief on War Footing

According to Revenue Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian, as many as 22,854 people have been evacuated to safety with the help of 23 NDRF and 2 SDRF teams, supported by 158 boats, 27 Army columns, 7 engineer task forces, and 9 helicopters. At least 139 relief camps remain operational, currently sheltering 6,121 affected citizens. Since the onset of floods, 219 camps have been established across Punjab.

Cabinet ministers, AAP MPs and MLAs are camping in flood-affected areas, personally supervising rescue operations. The Revenue Department has released ₹71 crore for immediate relief. Ministers and legislators have pledged one month’s salary to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, while AAP MPs have diverted their discretionary funds for rehabilitation.

Politics Over Relief

The floods have also ignited a political storm. Cheema accused the BJP-led Centre of ignoring Punjab’s plight, claiming that Union ministers visiting flood-hit areas had done little beyond “posing for photo opportunities.” He rejected allegations from the Centre that illegal mining was responsible for the floods, calling it “a blatant display of bias.”

“Punjab has fed the nation and sacrificed for its security. Yet, when we face our toughest crisis in decades, we are abandoned. Why is help being extended to Taliban-led Afghanistan while Punjab’s citizens are left to suffer?” Cheema asked sharply.

The Road Ahead

Officials warn that the full extent of damage can only be assessed once waters recede. For now, the priority remains saving lives and providing food, shelter and medical aid to lakhs displaced. Villagers in Gurdaspur, Ludhiana, Jalandhar and Fazilka recount harrowing stories of overnight floods sweeping through their homes, leaving them dependent on government rations and NGOs for survival.

The Punjab government insists it is prepared with detailed damage reports, but Cheema cautioned that “without financial support from the Centre, the road to recovery will be long and unjust.”

As relief efforts continue, Punjab’s demand for accountability and support stands as a stark reminder that in times of disaster, political divides must give way to collective responsibility.