Punjab Demands Rs.20,000 Crore Relief Package Amid Devastating Floods

Punjab has been ravaged by severe floods, with crop and house losses estimated to be in the thousands. Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal has called for a comprehensive relief package of Rs.20,000 crore to compensate farmers and repair damaged infrastructure. The party has also accused the AAP government of failing to provide adequate support to flood-hit areas, highlighting the urgent need for a robust response to this disaster.

Key Takeaways:

• SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal demands a Rs.20,000 crore relief package for flood-hit Punjab, to be used for crop and house losses, as well as road and power infrastructure repairs.
• The party accuses the AAP government of failing to provide compensation for crop losses over the past three years.
• SAD has announced a drive to remove sand deposits from farmlands using machinery and volunteers.
• A meeting of all district presidents and constituency incharges has been convened at the party headquarters in Chandigarh to take stock of losses and finalise the party's relief strategy.
• Sukhbir has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to extend support to Punjab, highlighting the state's significant contribution to the nation's food production.

Statistics:

• Estimated crop and house losses due to floods in Punjab.
• Rs.20,000 crore: the amount demanded by SAD for relief and rehabilitation.
• 3 years: the duration over which the AAP government has allegedly failed to provide compensation for crop losses.
• Number of farmlands affected by sand deposits.

Sources:

• Hindustan Times, "SAD demands Rs 20,000 crore relief package for Punjab"