Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth chaired an important meeting with the district administration in Ferozepur to review the rehabilitation, relief operations, and restoration of basic infrastructure in flood-affected areas. The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner Deepshikha Sharma, Senior Superintendent of Police Bhupinder Singh Sidhu, and former Punjab Cabinet Minister Rana Gurmit Singh Sodhi.

During the meeting, the Minister took a detailed briefing from the officials regarding the extent of flood damage in the district and reviewed the ongoing relief and rehabilitation work. He directed the officers to ensure that all possible assistance reaches the affected families without delay. Stressing the need to expedite compensation, reconstruction, and rehabilitation measures, he issued necessary directions to the concerned departments.

Seth assured that the Government of India will provide full support to Punjab for relief and rehabilitation in the flood-hit regions. He appreciated the joint efforts of the Army, NDRF, and district administration in saving lives during the calamity. He said Punjab has always stood with the nation in difficult times, and now, when Punjab itself is facing a natural disaster, the entire country stands with it in solidarity. He mentioned that aid from various states has already started reaching the flood-affected areas of Punjab.

The Minister added that, under the guidance of PM Narendra Modi, Union Ministers have been visiting the flood-hit areas of Punjab to assess the ground situation. He said that the Central Government has released Rs 1,600 crore towards flood relief measures and reaffirmed that every kind of assistance will be extended for the rehabilitation of the affected people. He instructed officials to ensure that no flood victim is left out of compensation and that farmers who suffered crop, land, or tubewell losses are provided with seeds, fertilizers, and financial relief at the earliest. He also emphasized ensuring adequate medical facilities to prevent disease outbreaks in flood-affected areas.

It is pertinent to mention here that the MOS is on two days visit of the border villages to ascertain and review of the loss during the recent floods.

Today the MOS visited Barai square and paid tributes to 1965 war heroes. Later he visited the national martyrs memorial at Hussainiwala and paid tributes to martyrs Bhagat Singh Rajguru and Sukhdev.

Meanwhile Deputy Commissioner Deepshikha Sharma and Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Amit Sareen apprised the Minister that 113 villages, 38,614 people, and 38,400 acres of crops were affected by the floods in Ferozepur district. The floods resulted in the loss of two human lives and 76 animals. The DC also detailed the rescue, relief, and rehabilitation efforts undertaken by the Punjab Government and district administration during and after the floods.

She said that administrative officers and staff remained active in the field throughout the crisis, and with the support of the Army, BSF, NDRF, Punjab Police, and NGOs, flood victims were assisted and embankments strengthened. Thousands of medical camps were organized by the health department to provide essential medicines and healthcare services.

The DC further informed that the damage assessment survey of crops, houses, and livestock will be completed by October 10, after which 25% of the affected families will start receiving compensation from October 11, and 100% compensation will be disbursed by October 20. She assured the Union Minister that the district administration would act on his valuable suggestions and complete the relief and rehabilitation work at the earliest.