Following the devastating impact of floods and heavy rains in Punjab, which caused widespread displacement and crop damage, the government is preparing to offer significant relief to the affected farming community. Manish Sisodia, the AAP leader responsible for Punjab, announced that farmers will be allowed to remove sand from their fields. During a press conference, Sisodia said that farmers are worried about the sand and silt deposited in their fields, which will make it harder to plant their next crops. He also noted the significant financial losses incurred by farmers due to the damage to their crops. Sisodia explained the challenges farmers face with the upcoming Rabi crop due to the sand left behind by the floods. The AAP leader mentioned that the state government is planning a new policy to address the issue. Although there is a mining policy, it does not allow mining without permission. He stated that the government needs to make a decision on this matter. The new policy will permit farmers to extract sand from their fields. He assured the farmers that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has considered their concerns and has decided to allow them to remove the sand. An official announcement will follow in the next couple of days. Regarding the Prime Minister’s upcoming visit to Punjab on September 9th, Sisodia stressed the need for substantial relief based on an assessment of the damage. He acknowledged the communications between the Chief Minister and central government figures but emphasized the absence of any tangible action from the central government. Sisodia urged the Prime Minister to provide immediate relief and requested the release of 60,000 crore rupees for the state of Punjab.
