Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced a financial relief package of ₹1,600 crore for Punjab, which is reeling under its worst floods since 1988. He made the announcement after reviewing the situation and assessing the extensive damage caused by the disaster.
Additional Support Beyond Existing Funds
The relief package comes in addition to the ₹12,000 crore already available with the state. Along with this, Modi also announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh each for the families of those who lost their lives and ₹50,000 for those seriously injured.
Earlier in the day, Modi conducted an aerial survey of flood-hit areas to get a firsthand view of the devastation. He later landed in Gurdaspur, one of the worst-affected districts, to meet officials, rescue teams, and affected families.
ਪੰਜਾਬ ਵਿੱਚ ਆਏ ਭਿਆਨਕ ਹੜ੍ਹਾਂ ਤੋਂ ਪ੍ਰਭਾਵਿਤ ਪਰਿਵਾਰਾਂ ਨਾਲ ਮੁਲਾਕਾਤ ਕੀਤੀ। ਅਸੀਂ ਹੜ੍ਹਾਂ ਕਾਰਨ ਪ੍ਰਭਾਵਿਤ ਹੋਏ ਹਰ ਵਿਅਕਤੀ ਨੂੰ ਰਾਹਤ ਪ੍ਰਦਾਨ ਕਰਨ ਅਤੇ ਹਰ ਸੰਭਵ ਸਹਾਇਤਾ ਪ੍ਰਦਾਨ ਕਰਨ ਲਈ ਤਤਕਾਲ ਕੰਮ ਕਰ ਰਹੇ ਹਾਂ। ਅਸੀਂ ਕਿਸਾਨਾਂ ਸਮੇਤ, ਜਿਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਦੀ ਭਲਾਈ ਸਾਡੇ ਲਈ ਸਭ ਤੋਂ ਮਹੱਤਵਪੂਰਨ ਹੈ, ਸਾਰਿਆਂ ਨੂੰ ਹਰ ਸੰਭਵ ਮਦਦ ਦੇਣ ਲਈ… pic.twitter.com/NvhmUPbGwG
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 9, 2025
Day-Long Visit to Punjab and Himachal Pradesh
Before visiting Punjab, Modi reviewed the flood and landslide situation in neighboring Himachal Pradesh. His visit to both states underlined the Centre’s commitment to providing timely support during this crisis.
In Gurdaspur, Modi interacted with NDRF and SDRF teams engaged in rescue and relief operations. He also met families who had lost loved ones and assured them of full government support.
High-Level Meeting in Gurdaspur
Modi chaired a meeting with state officials and elected representatives to review relief and rehabilitation measures. Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu, Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian, and Revenue Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian attended the meeting.
During the discussion, Modi announced the advance release of the second installment of the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and PM Kisan Samman Nidhi.
Reviewed the flood situation in Punjab during a meeting with officials. In this time of grief, my prayers are with all the bereaved families. We will work to assist those affected by this challenge.https://t.co/MWsvCAp0wA pic.twitter.com/IjPMRO9tPL
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 9, 2025
Multi-Dimensional Recovery Plan
The prime minister stressed the need for a comprehensive approach to help Punjab recover. He said the focus would be on rebuilding homes under the PM Awas Yojana, restoring highways, reconstructing schools, and providing relief through the PM National Relief Fund (PMNRF). Additionally, the government will distribute mini kits to support livestock farmers.
Punjab Faces Massive Flood Damage
Punjab is facing one of its most severe flood crises in decades. Heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir caused rivers like the Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi to swell, along with several seasonal rivulets. In addition, recent rains in Punjab worsened the situation.
The floods have claimed 51 lives so far and damaged crops on 1.84 lakh hectares of farmland. The state government has estimated losses exceeding ₹13,000 crore.
Thousands Affected Across Districts
According to officials, over 3.87 lakh people have been affected across 15 districts. More than 23,000 people have been safely evacuated from flood-hit areas.
Gurdaspur has reported the highest number of affected villages at 329. Other severely impacted districts include Amritsar, Fazilka, Ferozepur, Kapurthala, Hoshiarpur, Tarn Taran, and Pathankot.
Centre Assures Full Support
Modi expressed deep sorrow for the loss of lives and livelihoods. He assured the people of Punjab that the Centre would work closely with the state government to rebuild affected areas.
“I stand with the people of Punjab in this difficult time. The Union government will provide every possible help to restore normalcy and rebuild lives,” Modi said.
This announcement marked a major step in the relief and recovery efforts as Punjab battles the devastating impact of its worst floods in nearly four decades.