Amritsar, Sept 4 (UNI) Amid worsening flood situation due to heavy rainfall in Punjab, union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan arrived in Amritsar today to assess the damage to crops and infrastructure.
Upon arrival, he met Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, who presented a detailed report on the flood situation in five districts — Amritsar, Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Tarn Taran, and Firozpur.
Addressing a press conference, Chauhan stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had personally directed him to visit Punjab to evaluate the ground situation. He emphasised the Central government’s commitment to supporting the state during this crisis. “Punjab has always been at the forefront of serving the nation. In this hour of distress, the Central government stands firmly with Punjab and will provide all possible assistance,” he said.
Chauhan said two Central teams, comprising officials from various departments including agriculture, rural development, roads, power, finance, and water resources, are already in Punjab to assess the extent of the damage. These teams will visit affected areas, compile a comprehensive report, and submit it to the Central government for further action.
Expressing solidarity with the people of Punjab, the minister said, “Punjab has always been the pride of India, standing tall in times of national crisis. I salute the spirit of Punjab.”
He noted that around 1,655 villages across 23 districts, have been severely impacted by the floods. These districts include Amritsar, Barnala, Bathinda, Faridkot, Fatehgarh Sahib, Firozpur, Fazilka, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Ludhiana, Malerkotla, Mansa, Moga, Pathankot, Patiala, Rupnagar, Nawanshahr, Mohali, Sangrur, Muktsar, and Tarn Taran.
Chauhan said he would personally visit the affected villages to meet residents, understand their challenges, and evaluate the damage to crops and property.
Accompanied by union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu, Sunil Jakhar, and other senior party officials, Chauhan reiterated that his primary focus is on relief and rehabilitation efforts. He declined to take questions from the media, emphasising that his priority is serving the people of Punjab.
The Central government’s swift response and ongoing assessment aim to ensure timely aid and recovery for the flood-affected regions of Punjab.
