Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday unveiled a ₹100 crore state-wide cleanliness campaign to restore normalcy in 2,300 villages severely affected by the recent floods. The initiative aims to complete the massive cleaning operation by September 25, ensuring that rural areas recover swiftly from the devastation.
Initial Funding and Support
Addressing the media, Mann said that each affected village will immediately receive ₹1 lakh as a token grant, with additional funds to be released depending on the scale of damage and requirements. To aid in the clean-up, the government will provide essential equipment such as JCB machines, tractor-trolleys, and labor for clearing debris, including sand deposits and uprooted trees left behind by floodwaters.
Health and Medical Measures
The Chief Minister emphasized that public health remains a top priority in the post-flood scenario. To prevent the spread of waterborne and vector-borne diseases, the state will organize medical camps across the affected villages. Nearly 550 ambulances will be stationed in strategic locations, while medical teams will operate from panchayat bhawans, dharamshalas, anganwadi centres, and schools, ensuring that healthcare services are accessible to rural residents.
In addition, a disinfection drive will be launched in vulnerable areas to safeguard livestock and human health. Mann noted that the floods have impacted 2.60 lakh animals across 713 villages, underlining the urgency of veterinary and preventive health interventions.
Restoration of Agricultural and Market Infrastructure
Recognizing the economic disruption caused by the floods, the Chief Minister assured farmers that paddy procurement will begin on September 16 as scheduled. To facilitate smooth procurement, the government has directed officials to repair flood-damaged mandis (grain markets) by September 19, ensuring minimal inconvenience to cultivators.
A Comprehensive Relief Initiative
Mann stressed that the ₹100 crore drive is part of a larger rehabilitation effort to restore normalcy in rural Punjab. “This is not just a cleanliness campaign; it is about rebuilding lives, ensuring health safety, and reviving the rural economy,” he said.
The Chief Minister also reaffirmed his government’s commitment to support flood-affected families and farmers, pledging continued financial and administrative assistance until villages are fully restored.
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