The move comes amid a growing row over the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF). A mystery surrounds the Rs 12,128 crore said to be available in the fund. Opposition parties, including Congress, BJP, and SAD, have demanded a central probe into the alleged misuse. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while announcing a Rs 1,600 crore package during his Punjab visit, also flagged the SDRF issue.

Among the listed panchayats, Patiala’s Shambhu Kalan has the highest reserve with Rs 79.38 crore in fixed deposits, followed by Behlolpur in Mohali at Rs 43.50 crore. Others like Dararhi and Sural Kalan also hold significant amounts. Rural Development Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond appealed to such panchayats to support flood-hit villages.

Finance Minister Harpal Cheema countered opposition charges, stating Punjab has received only Rs 1,582 crore since March 2022, out of which Rs 649 crore has been used. He clarified that the Rs 12,128 crore figure includes high-interest borrowing costs.

The post Punjab Panchayats Asked to Share Funds for Flood Relief appeared first on India Podcast.

Jakhar blamed illegal mining for weakening river embankments. At Ghonewal village, residents told him the Dhussi bund broke because miners, backed by politicians, damaged it. When officials were asked when the embankment was last fortified, they admitted it had not happened recently. Jakhar said timely repairs could have reduced losses.

He criticised the irrigation minister for promising foolproof arrangements but failing to act. “Preparatory meetings never took place. Floods come every year, yet no one prepared,” he said.

Jakhar estimated that four lakh acres of farmland are under water, with crop damage close to 100 percent. From paddy to sugarcane, farmers face total loss. He urged the Centre to provide a comprehensive relief package and to consider new check dams and stronger embankments.

Despite the devastation, Jakhar praised Punjabis for showing generosity, saying their unity brings hope in this crisis.

The post Punjab BJP chief Sunil Jakhar Slams State Govt Over Flood Mismanagement appeared first on India Podcast.

Two central teams also arrived. Officials from Agriculture, Jal Shakti, Roads, and Energy joined them. They will prepare reports for the Centre.

Chouhan walked through knee-deep water in Ghonewal village, Ajnala. The village remained under 10-12 feet water after a major embankment breach. He was accompanied by Union Minister Ravneet Bittu, BJP state chief Sunil Jakhar, senior leader Tarun Chugh, and Amritsar MP Gurjit Aujla.

Ajnala MLA Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal met Chouhan. He sought a ₹2,000-crore package and said the Ravi floods were worse than 1988. Chouhan assured complete Central support for relief and rehabilitation.

Punjab Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian also met Chouhan. He said over 4 lakh acres of farmland had submerged. He demanded ₹8,000 crore of Rural and Market Development Funds and the pending ₹60,000 crore package. He warned of threats to food security and huge losses in livestock.

Earlier, Governor Gulab Chand Kataria gave his flood damage report of five districts to Chouhan.

The post Shivraj Chouhan Assesses Punjab Floods, Assures Relief appeared first on India Podcast.

Sinha, along with Water Resources Secretary Krishna Kumar and Deputy Commissioner Amit Kumar Panchal, travelled by boat to Baupur and Sangra. He spoke with villagers, listened to their problems, and promised long-term protection measures. He said officials are working on war footing to rescue families, provide shelter, food, medical care, and protect livestock.

The Chief Secretary inspected relief camps in Fazlabad, Lakh Waryan, Ahli Kalan, Mand Kooka Gurdwara Sahib, and Bharoana Gurdwara Rababsar Sahib. He also reviewed Army and SDRF rescue work. Sinha directed officials to speed up compensation. Special girdawaris have started, and tehsildars are already in the field to ensure quick relief.

Deputy Commissioner Panchal said food, healthcare, and essential supplies are available for every affected family. He added that revenue, health, animal husbandry, and water resources teams are working round the clock. Rajya Sabha MP Sant Baba Balbir Singh Seechewal and senior district officials joined the review.

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