Chandigarh:For the first time in Punjab’s history, the state government has set strict deadlines for officials to clean and sanitize flood-affected areas, with Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann emphasizing timelines and accountability. After weeks of devastation, Mann said the state is back on track as girdawari (assessment of crop damage) begins and rehabilitation efforts gain momentum. Sanitation campaigns will be launched across nearly 2,300 villages and wards where floodwaters have receded. The government will provide JCB machines and labourers to each village to speed up cleaning. An initial fund of Rs1 lakh per village has been released from a total allocation of Rs100 crore, with additional funds provided as needed.
Deadlines for Sanitation and Repair
September 24 – sanitation, fogging operations, and disposal of dead animals.
September 30 – preventive sanitation measures related to livestock.
October 15 – repair of dharamshalas and community structures damaged by floods.
October 22 – cleaning of ponds, drains, and water bodies to prevent waterlogging and disease outbreaks.
Medical camps will be organized in all 2,300 villages, with 506 villages already hosting functional mohalla clinics. Additionally, 550 ambulances will be on standby, and veterinary doctors deployed to protect nearly 2.5 lakh affected animals across 713 villages. On the crop front, procurement will begin on September 16, with private buyers having already procured around 3,000 quintals of paddy. Flood-damaged markets are expected to reopen by September 19.
Flood management quickly became a political flashpoint. Opposition parties, including BJP and Congress, accused the AAP government of failing to prevent flooding due to weak infrastructure and unchecked mining. BJP leader Tarun Chugh called it a “Mann-made disaster,” while Congress highlighted lapses in relief distribution.
Mann, however, accused the Centre of withholding Punjab’s rightful dues. “I am not begging the Union government. I am asking for Punjab’s rights—our GST share, our RDF fund. Even though the Assembly has passed the Act, our rightful funds are still withheld,” he said, also criticizing the Governor and certain media outlets for spreading false rumours during his recent hospitalisation.
The Chief Minister stressed there were no divisions within the AAP in Punjab. “Our party came out of struggle. We have no factions. A few who tried to create divisions have already been shown the door,” he said, adding that Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal has confirmed Mann will remain Punjab’s CM. What sets this effort apart is the government’s decision to tie officials to deadlines, ensuring relief, repair, and sanitation are completed promptly. Mann stressed urgency, noting that farmers are preparing for the next sowing season.
“September 24 is the cutoff for sanitation. By October 15, damaged community buildings will be repaired, and by October 22, ponds and drains will be cleaned,” Mann said.
He also called for open debates with leaders on Punjab’s issues, dismissing opposition challenges as inconsequential. Mann concluded that Punjab has always stood with the nation, and now it is time for the country to support Punjab. Schools, mohalla clinics, and farmers’ fields receiving water and electricity remain top priorities. By fixing deadlines and insisting on accountability, Mann underlined the state’s determination to recover swiftly.
