Punjab spends Rs 10.21 crore on cleaning, desilting in flood‑hit villages in four days: Sond
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, September 18, 2025:
The Punjab Government has intensified post‑flood restoration across rural areas, spending Rs 10.21 crore on cleaning and desilting operations over the last four days, Rural Development and Panchayats Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond said on Thursday.
Sond stated that, on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, scientific disposal of animals that died during the floods is being ensured, with Rs 17.54 lakh spent so far for disposing of 259 carcasses. He added that debris removal and carcass disposal will be completed by September 24, while pond cleaning in affected villages will conclude by October 22.
Highlighting the scale of damage to rural community assets, the minister said preliminary assessments indicate an estimated Rs 153.33 crore will be required for repairs. Urgent repair work on these community assets is targeted for completion by October 15. To curb disease outbreaks, 543 fogging machines have already been deployed, with an additional 750 machines to be rolled out shortly.
To ensure transparency and local oversight, Gram Sabhas have been convened in all 2,280 flood‑affected villages to identify and approve priority works. After execution, a follow‑up Gram Sabha will review expenditure details and verify completion on the ground.
Strengthening field monitoring, district‑level sub‑committees headed by BDPOs or DDPOs will begin inspections from September 19. These officers will submit weekly verification reports, track fund utilization, and maintain before‑and‑after photographic records of works undertaken.