NEW DELHI: The Punjab government has launched a state-wide special Girdawari (crop damage assessment) to evaluate losses caused by recent floods, with a commitment to compensate affected farmers and families within 45 days. Revenue, Rehabilitation and Disaster Management Minister S. Hardeep Singh Mundian announced the drive today, stressing that it would be carried out in a transparent, time-bound, and accountable manner.
Acting under the directions of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the campaign will be executed “on a war footing.” The Chief Minister has assured that this is not charity but the rightful due of the people, promising that no affected family will be left without compensation.
The Revenue Minister issued strict instructions to officers to avoid negligence, warning that delays or carelessness would invite disciplinary action. Revenue officers from unaffected areas are also being deployed to flood-hit villages to ensure timely completion of the assessment.
A total of 2,167 Patwaris have been deployed across the state. Major deployments include 343 in Gurdaspur, 291 in Hoshiarpur, 196 in Amritsar, 149 in Kapurthala, 141 in Patiala, 113 in Ferozepur, and 110 in Fazilka. These teams will visit villages, inspect fields, and prepare detailed reports on crop, house, and livestock losses.
The government has announced the highest-ever compensation package in Punjab’s history. Farmers will receive ₹20,000 per acre for crop loss, families whose houses are fully destroyed will get ₹1,20,000, and those with partially damaged houses will get ₹40,000. Compensation norms also cover livestock, with ₹37,500 for cows or buffaloes and ₹4,000 for goats.
According to the latest flood assessment, 1,98,525 hectares of crops have been affected across Punjab, with the largest damage in Gurdaspur (40,169 ha), Amritsar (27,154 ha), Fazilka (25,182 ha), and Patiala (17,690 ha). The floods have also claimed 56 lives so far, including one death reported in Moga district in the past 24 hours.
The government has assured that compensation for house and livestock losses will begin on September 15, while in villages where crops have been completely destroyed, the inspection and compensation process will be wrapped up within a month.
“The Mann government is committed to ensuring every affected farmer and family gets timely compensation. This is our duty, not a favor,” Minister Mundian said, reaffirming that cheques will be distributed within the stipulated 45-day timeline.
