Photo Source; Babushahi Bureau
Relief package announced by PM Modi is a cruel joke with Punjab: Barinder Goyal
Babushahi Bureau
Moonak, September 10, 2025: Punjab, which has made the greatest sacrifices for the nation’s independence, filled the national food reserves during the Green Revolution, and laid down the highest number of lives defending the country’s borders, has now suffered losses of over ₹20,000 crore due to devastating floods. In such circumstances, the announcement of only ₹1,600 crore as relief by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for Punjab is nothing short of a cruel joke with the state.
This was stated by Cabinet Minister Shri Barinder Kumar Goyal while interacting with people during his visit to various villages including Karail, Moonak, and Phoolad to review the situation of the Ghaggar River.
Mr. Goyal said that to protect people from the fury of the Ghaggar, the Punjab Government had strengthened the river embankments. As a result, despite water flowing above the danger level for the past eight days, the residents of nearby villages and towns have remained safe from its impact.
He further stated that the Punjab Government and district administration are maintaining complete vigil. Wherever sandbags or any other preventive measures are required, they are carried out immediately. Officers have been deployed at every kilometer stretch of the Ghaggar embankment to ensure any arising issue can be resolved without delay.
The Cabinet Minister said that if the Haryana Government extends cooperation to Punjab, the Ghaggar problem can be resolved permanently. Therefore, keeping in mind the interests of the people, the Haryana Government must come forward for cooperation on this matter.
Mr. Goyal added that when the embankments of the Ghaggar River were being strengthened with soil, local residents voluntarily joined in the work, and even now, they are keeping day-and-night vigil and supporting the government. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to the people for this cooperation and assured them that efforts will be made so that from next year onward, villagers will not have to guard the river embankments themselves.
The Minister further informed that in view of possible floods, five relief camps have been established in different places for towns and villages near the Ghaggar River, with officers appointed as in-charges of each camp.
In case of any emergency, people can contact the Drainage Department at 87250-29785, the District Administration at 01672-234196, or the Moonak Control Room at 97802-95132.
On this occasion, officers from various departments and a large number of villagers were present.