Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday announced to embark Mega Rehabilitation and Cleanliness Drive worth Rs 100 crore in Flood-Affected Areas across the state.
Interacting with the media persons, the Chief Minister said that as Floodwaters have now receded from many areas, but a large amount of silt and dirt still remains across villages and towns. He said that to restore normal life, it is essential to clean these areas for which the state government is launching a mega cleanliness drive in all 2,300 affected villages and wards. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that every village, the state government has constituted teams with JCB machines, tractor-trolleys, and labor adding that these teams will remove silt and debris from each village and carry out complete cleaning drive.
The Chief Minister apprehended that as several animals have also lost their lives so these teams will properly dispose off them, after which cleaning, fogging will be carried out in every village to ensure that the spread of diseases is checked. He said that the state government has allocated ₹100 crore for this entire campaign adding that out of this, ₹1 lakh is being released to every affected village as initial funds to start the work. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that any further requirements will also be covered from this fund adding that the state government will bear the full cost of cleaning.
Setting the deadline, the Chief Minister said that by September 24 all villages will be made silt and debris free by cleaning them and October 15 repair work at public places will be completed. Similarly he said that by October 22 the cleaning of ponds will be finished adding that The government has already made all the necessary arrangements. However, Bhagwant Singh Mann solicited the participation of NGOs, youth clubs, and other organizations in this noble cause Just as everyone had united and fought against this disaster together.
The Chief Minister said that Alongside, it is equally important to ensure that no disease spreads after the floods and that anyone with health-related problems immediately receives medical care. For this purpose, he said that the state government will set up medical camps in all 2,303 flood-affected villages adding that In 596 villages, where Aam Aadmi Clinics already exist, medical camps, facilities, and medicines will be available there. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that in the remaining 1,707 villages, these medical camps will be set up at community spaces such as schools, dharamshalas, anganwadi centers, or panchayat buildings.
The Chief Minister said that each camp will be equipped with doctors, medical staff, and medical facilities. He said that the state government has arranged 550 ambulances for this special campaign so that people in affected villages face no delay or difficulty in receiving medical service. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that as per reports so far, about 2.5 lakh animals across 713 villages have been affected by the floods and to prevent the spread of diseases among them, the government has launched a campaign to save them and support farmers.
The Chief Minister said that teams of Veterinary doctors’ have been deployed in all villages and a special campaign is being run for the cleaning and disinfection of animals and their shelters. He said that Debris and spoiled fodder from animal shelters will be removed and Farmers will be provided potassium permanganate to disinfect fodder and water. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that by September 30 vaccination of all affected animals will be completed to prevent the spread of diseases.
The Chief Minister said that at this time, any help for farmers is still insufficient, yet the government is determined to do its best. He said that in Punjab, procurement of crops will begin early this year, and arrangements have already been made in mandis to ensure that procurement begins in them from September 16. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the mandis that were hit by floods are being cleaned and being repaired on a war footing and by September 19 these flood-affected mandis will also be ready for procurement.
The Chief Minister reiterated that the state government is making every possible effort to support the flood-affected people. He expressed hope that unitedly Punjab will emerge stronger from this disaster adding he announced to once again dedicate himself to the cause of building a vibrant and flourishing Punjab. Taking BJP to cudgels, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the anti-Punjab face of BJP has been exposed as they did not help the state during tough time and that’s why they are now trying to divert attention with irrelevant talk.
The Chief Minister said that people of Punjab are asking them to clearly when and how much money the central government has given to state. He said that the answer to this question will clear everything but the BJP leaders are avoiding it because it will exposed their real face. He advised the BjP leaders to not play politics with Punjab during difficult times as Punjabis don’t forget these things. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that as far as the funds that actually came from the Centre are concerned and how much has been spent, the report is available and all can see it themselves.
Giving details, the Chief Minister said that the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) was established in the year 2010, and since then, a total of ₹5012 crore has been received in this fund. Out of this, he said that Rs 3820 crore has been spent over the years on relief efforts during natural disasters. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the picture is crystal clear but the BJP is exaggerating the issue just to mislead the people in this hour of crisis.
The Chief Minister said that instead of raising such irrrlevang issues, all of us should join hands to help the people of Punjab. He said that all the Punjabis need to come together and rebuild Punjab which has been devastated by the fury of floods. Bhagwant Singh Mann reiterated that the state government will not spare any stone unturned for this noble cause.