PM Modi to visit Punjab, other flood-affected states soon

PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit several north Indian states including Punjab severely affected by recent floods and landslides. He is expected to conduct an aerial survey of the affected areas during his visit.

The visit comes amid mounting devastation caused by incessant rainfall, which has claimed hundreds of lives and caused extensive damage to infrastructure and agriculture.

Meanwhile, Punjab BJP chief Sunil Jakhar confirmed to Hindustan Times that PM will visit the flood-ravaged state on September 11. “The visit is confirmed. The PM will be here on September 9. The rest of the details are awaited,” Punjab BJP chief Sunil Jakhar told HT.

“The PM is very concerned about Punjab and thus after landing from China, he immediately spoke to chief minister Bhagwant Mann about the situation in the state and assured full assistance. The central team is on the Punjab tour. The PM has taken feedback and will be visiting the state,” added Jakhar.

The state chief dubbed AAP government’s tirade against the Centre and the PM over floods as “diversionary tactics”. “The AAP govt has failed to handle the flood situation properly. Now, they are looking for an escape hatch and pinning blame on others,” Jakhar added.

Punjab is experiencing one of its most severe weather disasters in decades. Over 1,900 villages across 23 districts have been inundated, resulting in 43 fatalities. Approximately 1.71 lakh hectares of crops have been damaged, prompting the state government to request a special financial package from the Centre to manage the crisis.

Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah toured Jammu and Kashmir to review the flood situation. Several fences and border posts along the International Border in Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir have been destroyed in recent floods. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who visited the flood affected districts of Punjab on Thursday said he will submit a comprehensive report to PM.

In another related development, Punjab finance minister Harpal Singh Cheema criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, alleging that he had yet to respond to the AAP government’s demand for releasing the state’s “pending” Rs 60,000 crore with the Centre.

Himachal Pradesh remains among the worst-hit regions, with more than 360 lives lost since the start of the monsoon season. The State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) reported that 1,087 roads remain blocked, while 2,838 power supply lines and 509 water supply schemes have been disrupted.