Chandigarh, Sept 13 — Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday announced a ₹100 crore “Clean Punjab” campaign to restore normalcy in more than 2,300 villages affected by recent floods, with measures ranging from sanitation and healthcare to farmer relief and livestock care.
Speaking to reporters, Mann said each village will receive an initial grant of ₹1 lakh to begin work, with additional funds to follow depending on requirements. “This drive is aimed at bringing Punjab back on track,” he noted.
Under the plan, JCB earthmovers, tractor-trolleys, and labor teams will be deployed to clear sand, silt, and fallen trees, as well as dispose of dead animals. Fogging will follow the cleanup to check disease outbreaks. The government has set a deadline of September 25 for the cleanliness operation.
Healthcare is also being prioritized. The Chief Minister said medical camps will be set up in all 2,303 affected villages, with 550 ambulances pressed into service. In villages lacking Aam Aadmi Clinics, camps will be organized in panchayat bhawans, anganwadi centers, dharamshalas, or schools. “We want to ensure every affected family has access to doctors, staff, and medicines,” he said.
Mann mentioned the scale of livestock damage, estimating that 2.60 lakh animals across 713 villages were affected. Veterinary teams have been dispatched to vaccinate animals by September 30, while a disinfection drive and removal of rotten fodder is also underway. Potassium permanganate is being distributed to farmers to safeguard cattle sheds.
To address farmers’ economic concerns, the government has decided to advance the start of paddy procurement to September 16. Mann said flood-damaged mandis are being rapidly repaired and would be ready by September 19.
“This is not only a relief operation but a commitment to rebuild Punjab,” the Chief Minister said, calling on NGOs, youth groups, and social organizations to join hands in the effort.
