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Key Points

Union Minister BL Verma personally visited Sasrali village to assess the flood situation. He was informed that illegal mining was a major factor in the destruction of nearly 450 acres of farmland. The minister assured residents of the central government's full support, including a Rs 1,600 crore relief package. Meanwhile, state officials reported a gradual return to normalcy as people begin leaving relief camps.

Key Points: BL Verma Reviews Punjab Flood Damage and Relief Efforts in Sasrali

  • Inspected 2.5 km of temporary embankments built by villagers
  • Identified illegal mining as a primary cause of destruction
  • Assured central government's full support and relief packages
  • Distributed flood relief kits to residents of Sasrali village
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Union Minister BL Verma reviews flood situation in Punjab

Union Minister BL Verma inspects flood damage in Punjab, assures central support, and highlights illegal mining as a cause for the widespread destruction of farmland.

"nearly 450 acres of fertile agricultural land had been washed away into the Sutlej river - Pritpal Singh Baliawal"

Sahnewal

, Sep 12 (IANS) Union Minister B.L. Verma on Friday visited Sasrali village in Sahnewal constituency in Punjab to personally review the flood situation and the measures being undertaken to protect the affected areas.

He inspected over 2.5 km of temporary embankments constructed with the active support of the villagers to safeguard their farmland and homes.

Pritpal Singh Baliawal, BJP spokesperson, and Gagandeep Singh Kaint, District Ludhiana (Rural), were also present during the inspection. During the visit, Pritpal Singh Baliawal apprised the minister about the extent of the devastation.

He informed that nearly 450 acres of fertile agricultural land had been washed away into the Sutlej river, and categorically highlighted illegal mining in the region as the primary reason for such large-scale destruction.

The minister interacted with residents and farmers of the affected areas, assuring them of the Central government’s full support.

He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP-led government has already announced an additional relief package of Rs 1,600 crore for Punjab, over and above the Rs 12,000 crore allocated under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF).

He further assured that if any additional assistance is required, the Central government stands firmly with the people of Punjab in this hour of need.

Union Minister Verma also appreciated the tireless efforts of BJP volunteers who have been working day and night alongside local villagers to provide relief and strengthen embankments. He further distributed flood relief kits to the residents of Sasrali village.

Meanwhile, state Revenue, Rehabilitation and Disaster Management Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian said that encouragingly, people sheltering in relief camps are steadily moving back to their homes, resulting in the number of operational camps dropping from 111 on September 11 to 100 on September 12.

He said there is a noticeable decrease of 460 inmates in the relief camps, pointing to gradual restoration of normalcy as families return to their homes. He said the cumulative figure of evacuated persons has reached 23,340 so far.

Currently, 4,125 people remain in government-run relief camps as against 4,585 a day earlier.

He said that with no more affected crop area reported as per district reports, the affected crop area has been assessed at 192380 hectares till date, with no fresh area reported damaged during the last 24 hours.

The Cabinet Minister said that one missing person has been reported from Jalandhar, while three persons are still reported missing from Pathankot.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Illegal mining has been a long-standing issue in Punjab rivers. This disaster could have been prevented if authorities had taken strict action earlier. Now poor farmers are paying the price with their livelihoods 😔
A
Aman W
Appreciate the minister visiting personally. Sometimes these visits feel like photo ops, but hope this leads to concrete action against illegal mining and better flood management infrastructure in the long term.
S
Sarah B
The numbers are heartbreaking - 450 acres of fertile land gone! Punjab is India's food bowl. This affects national food security. Need permanent solutions, not just temporary relief measures.
Karthik V
Positive to see people returning home from relief camps. The reduction from 111 to 100 camps shows situation improving. Hope the missing persons are found safe soon. My prayers with all affected families.
N
Nisha Z
While relief packages are welcome, we need accountability for why illegal mining was allowed to continue. Environmental damage costs much more than the relief being provided. Prevention is better than cure!

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