Chandigarh, September 5 — Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Giani Harpreet Singh has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging the Centre to declare the recent floods in Punjab a “major natural calamity” and release immediate relief for affected families.
“Punjab is now facing devastating floods. Lives, agriculture, livestock, homes, and infrastructure have suffered immense destruction. As per official figures, 13 lives have been lost, 3.5 lakh people displaced, thousands of cattle perished, and nearly 1,500 villages – 11.15% of Punjab’s villages – have gone underwater,” Singh wrote in his letter dated September 5.
The SAD leader said the situation demands urgent intervention from the Centre. “We urge the Central Government to treat this as a top priority and release necessary funds and resources immediately. The people of Punjab look to the Centre with hope – for timely relief and long-term security,” he added.
Singh outlined an 11-point charter of demands, including an immediate relief package for families, full compensation for destroyed crops, restoration of roads, schools and health services, deployment of NDRF and Army units, and a special debt relief package for farmers and small traders.
He also sought the strengthening of embankments, a dedicated flood management fund, and free seeds and diesel subsidy for restoring farmlands. “These demands are just and rightful. We request that they be accepted in full without delay,” Singh stated.
The letter further pressed for Punjab to be given control of the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) and other dams, while also demanding royalty arrears on Punjab’s waters taken since 1955. Singh said lack of control over dams had worsened the damage caused by floods.
Calling out a “sense of neglect” among Punjabis, Singh drew upon Punjab’s sacrifices in history. “When the British ruled India with oppression, it was the people of this very land who gave 85% of the sacrifices for independence… Yet today, Punjab feels increasingly alienated,” he said.
The SAD chief said Punjab has repeatedly stood by the nation — from Guru Tegh Bahadur’s sacrifice to the 1965, 1971 and Kargil wars. “Punjab has always given selflessly. Yet despite being the backbone of national supply, this region faces egregious discrimination,” he wrote.
He also reminded the Centre that compensation promised for the 2023 floods had not been fully disbursed. “The pending dues must be cleared transparently and fully delivered to Punjab’s people,” Singh demanded.
