Chandigarh, Sept 6 — Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Saturday described the state’s flood crisis as the worst in five decades, reporting damage across 2,000 villages and the loss of 43 lives in 14 districts and demanded urgent financial support from the Union government, including the release of more than ₹60,000 crore owed to the state.
Cheema said relentless rains in Punjab and neighboring hilly states triggered widespread devastation, displacing more than 4 lakh citizens and damaging 1.72 lakh hectares of farmland in 18 districts. Homes, livestock, and public infrastructure have also suffered extensive losses. The Ghaggar river’s water level crossed the 750-foot danger mark, compounding the crisis.
“The government of Punjab has responded with urgency and compassion,” Cheema told reporters at Punjab Bhawan. He noted that over 22,000 people have been evacuated and nearly 200 relief camps are sheltering 7,000 displaced residents. Rescue and relief operations are being carried out by 24 NDRF teams, two SDRF units, 144 boats and a government helicopter. “The Chief Minister, senior leaders, cabinet ministers, MPs, MLAs, and party workers are on the ground, working shoulder to shoulder with citizens,” he added.
The Revenue Department has released ₹71 crore for relief, while the cabinet and MLAs pledged one month’s salary to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. AAP MPs from Punjab have committed discretionary funds to flood victims, and the Excise and Taxation Department donated ₹50 lakh, Cheema said.
The Finance Minister accused the BJP-led Centre of neglect, pointing out that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 31 seeking dues and amendments to SDRF and NDRF rules. “It is very unfortunate that even after 25 days, the Prime Minister has not replied,” Cheema said. He criticized the Union government for extending aid to Taliban-led Afghanistan while “failing to show empathy to the people of Punjab.”
Cheema rejected the Centre’s claims that illegal mining caused the floods, calling it “bias against Punjab.” He said Union ministers who toured the state offered “only photo opportunities” without announcing any aid. “Punjab has contributed immensely to the nation’s development and protection. Instead of support, the state is being subjected to petty politics,” he remarked.
He concluded by demanding the immediate release of pending dues of ₹60,000 crore and a swift relief package. “The Union Government has failed Punjab in its hour of crisis,” Cheema said. “We are prepared to share full damage data once waters recede, but immediate assistance is critical to recovery.”
