Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday announced a massive post-flood cleanliness and rehabilitation drive, aimed at restoring normalcy in villages badly affected by the recent floods. The state government has earmarked ₹100 crore for a special mission covering 2,300 villages, ensuring that both cleanliness and health concerns are addressed on priority.
Speaking to the media, CM Mann said that each village will initially receive ₹1 lakh as a token relief amount, while additional funds will be disbursed according to the scale of damage and requirements assessed on the ground. He stressed that this was only the beginning of a larger rehabilitation effort that the government is committed to carrying out for the welfare of the affected families.
As part of the mission, the state will provide essential machinery and manpower, including JCB earth-moving machines, tractor-trolleys, and labourers, to help remove flood debris such as accumulated sand, silt, and fallen trees. The entire cleanliness operation is targeted to be completed by September 25, ensuring that daily life in rural areas can return to normal as quickly as possible.
Highlighting the government’s focus on public health, the Chief Minister announced that medical camps will be established in the affected areas, supported by the deployment of 550 ambulances. Trained medical staff will be stationed at panchayat bhawans, dharamshalas, anganwadi centres, and schools, so that people can easily access treatment and healthcare services.
Mann also pointed out the severe impact on livestock, revealing that 2.60 lakh animals have been affected in 713 villages. To prevent the spread of diseases in both humans and animals, a large-scale disinfection campaign will be launched in flood-hit areas.
In addition to relief and health measures, the Chief Minister provided reassurance to farmers regarding the upcoming harvest season. He confirmed that paddy procurement in Punjab will begin from September 16, while flood-damaged grain markets (mandis) will be repaired and restored by September 19 to facilitate smooth procurement and prevent any disruption for farmers.
“The state government stands firmly with every family, every farmer, and every village impacted by these floods. This ₹100 crore mission is not just about cleanliness, but about restoring dignity and normal life to our people,” Mann said.
