Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced a ₹20,000 per acre compensation package for farmers affected by flooding that has devastated over 2,000 villages and damaged standing crops across 4.3 lakh acres.
The relief includes financial aid for families who lost loved ones, loan waivers, and permission to extract and sell sand deposited on fields without permits. Mann highlighted these measures amid ongoing health challenges as officials begin damage assessments.
Opposition voices criticised the package as insufficient and demanded greater support. The government’s focus remains on rapid and transparent relief amid one of the state’s worst monsoon disasters in decades.
Flood Relief Measures and Farmer Support
The Punjab cabinet met on September 8, 2025, and approved a substantial flood relief package. Central to this is the ₹20,000 per acre compensation for farmers who have lost standing crops due to prolonged inundation. Besides this direct financial aid, the government introduced the “Jisda Khet, Usdi Ret” policy allowing farmers to extract and sell sand and silt deposited by floodwaters on their farmland until November 15 without needing any official permission.
This policy aims to help restore soil quality ahead of the upcoming Rabi planting season, which farmers fear may also be impacted.
Additional relief measures include a ₹4 lakh ex gratia payment for families of those who died in the floods, six-month moratoriums on loan repayments and interest for affected farmers, and promises of assistance for livestock losses pending verification via survey.
Chief Minister Mann, who announced the package while recuperating in hospital, underscored the government’s priority of swift and transparent aid delivery. Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema described the event as the worst flood in half a century and lauded governmental efforts despite Mann’s health hurdles.
Flood Devastation and Political Responses
The floods, driven by heavy monsoon rains and overflowing rivers like Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi, have submerged large tracts of farmland, impacting some 400,000 residents. Over 2,000 villages have suffered property damage, crop losses, and displacement.
The death toll has risen to at least 43, with many more affected by waterborne illnesses and disease threats. Rescue operations involving the Indian Army, NDRF, and state police continue with evacuations and efforts to reinforce embankments.
Opposition leaders such as Partap Singh Bajwa and Amrinder Singh Raja Warring criticised the relief amount, calling for enhanced compensation nearing ₹50,000 per acre and higher death benefits to match past government packages.
They urged the state to expedite payments and address the long-term impact of sand deposition, which threatens soil fertility and future crop viability. These comments highlight the political debates around disaster management efficacy and equitable support.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting Punjab today to personally assess flood damage, hold review meetings with officials, and meet affected families. Meanwhile, the Punjab government has urged the Centre to provide an adequate relief package and release pending funds amounting to ₹60,000 crore, which it claims are owed to the state. The government has also urged the centre for 20,000 crore aid package.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The government of Punjab must be commended for promptly announcing essential relief measures for those afflicted by unprecedented floods. Providing immediate financial assistance and enabling farmers to reclaim arable land through sand extraction are vital steps.
However, relief alone cannot substitute for comprehensive flood control systems, resilient agricultural practices, and climate adaptation policies necessary to protect communities long term. There must be transparency in distribution and ongoing support for livelihoods and health services.
ਪੰਜਾਬ ਦੇ ਲੋਕਾਂ ਨੇ ਹੜ੍ਹਾਂ ਦਾ ਸਾਹਮਣਾ ਬੜੀ ਦਲੇਰੀ ਨਾਲ ਕੀਤਾ ਅਤੇ ਹੁਣ ਮੁੱਖ ਮੰਤਰੀ ਭਗਵੰਤ ਸਿੰਘ ਮਾਨ ਦੀ ਅਗਵਾਈ ਵਾਲੀ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਸਰਕਾਰ ਵੱਲੋਂ ਹੜ੍ਹ ਪ੍ਰਭਾਵਿਤ ਲੋਕਾਂ ਲਈ ਮੁਆਵਜ਼ੇ ਦਾ ਐਲਾਨ ਕੀਤਾ ਗਿਆ ਹੈ।#CMOPunjab pic.twitter.com/Ggr1xwMeCt
— CMOPb (@CMOPbIndia) September 8, 2025
Indian Army rescuing civilians in flood hit areas of Ferozepur, Punjab.
— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) September 8, 2025
Shoulder-to-shoulder, #GoldenArrowDivision & villagers toiled day & night, reinforcing the banks & averting disaster.
A living testament to unity, courage & enduring Army–people bond.pic.twitter.com/jdnruHj5op
