GURDASPUR, Sept 9 — Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced a relief package of ₹1,600 crore for flood-affected Punjab, pledging comprehensive assistance to help the state recover from its worst deluge in decades.
The Prime Minister also declared ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh for the next of kin of those who lost their lives and ₹50,000 for the seriously injured. Recognising the plight of the farming community, Modi said additional aid will be extended to farmers without power connections, a segment particularly hit by the floods.
The Centre has dispatched inter-ministerial teams to Punjab to assess the extent of damage. “Based on their detailed reports, further assistance will be considered,” officials said.
After conducting an aerial survey and meeting flood victims in Gurdaspur, Modi underscored the need for a “multi-dimensional approach” to recovery. He listed measures including rebuilding homes under the PM Awaas Yojana, restoring national highways, reconstructing schools, distributing mini kits for livestock, and ensuring immediate relief to affected families.
Punjab’s crisis was triggered by swollen rivers — the Sutlej, Beas and Ravi — along with rivulets carrying heavy runoff from Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir. Officials said the floods have damaged homes, farmland, and public infrastructure, leaving thousands displaced.
