Punjab flood damage report submitted; ₹12,905 crore loss estimated
What's the story
The Punjab government has submitted a revised report estimating the damage caused by recent floods at ₹12,905 crore. The new figure is ₹384 crore less than the previous estimate of ₹13,289 crore. The report details the destruction across 14 departments and agriculture and will be sent to the Union Home Ministry with Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's approval.
Damage reassessment
Significant reductions and increases in various departments
The Rural Development and Panchayat Department has significantly reduced its damage estimate from ₹5,043 crore to ₹3,554 crore. In contrast, the Revenue Department's demand has increased from ₹1,858 crore to ₹2,782 crore due to crop losses and damaged homes. The Education sector's claim for structural damage repair is slightly higher at ₹547 crore from the earlier ₹542 crore.
Health and livestock
Health and Animal Husbandry Departments
On the other hand, the Health Department has sought ₹780 crore for the repair of damaged dispensaries, hospitals, and equipment. Meanwhile, the Animal Husbandry Department has claimed losses of 1,371 buffaloes and milch cows, along with 1.75 lakh poultry. In this regard, it has sought ₹129 crore as compensation for these losses. The Public Works Department has sought ₹1,970 crore for the restoration of 4,657.83km of roads and bridges.
Agricultural losses
Agriculture, food supplies, and other key departments
The Water Resources Department has sought ₹1,520 crore for long-term flood mitigation measures. This is in light of climate change-driven damage to canals and rivers. The Agriculture Department has increased its demand from ₹317 crore to ₹367 crore for desilting and field restoration. The Food and Supplies Department has sought ₹7 crore for damaged warehouses. The Power Department has sought ₹139 crore for hydel projects, while Local Bodies and Forest Departments have demanded ₹77 crore and ₹4 crore, respectively.