03/09/2025
REPOST:
Punjab is battling its worst floods in decades, forcing the state government to declare all districts as flood-hit. Continuous rainfall and overflowing rivers have submerged hundreds of villages, displacing more than 3.5 lakh people. Rescue teams, including the Army and NDRF, are working round the clock to evacuate residents and provide emergency relief. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann compared the calamity to the devastating floods of 1988, saying this year’s disaster is even more severe.
The floods have caused widespread destruction of crops, homes, and infrastructure. Early estimates reveal that Punjab’s agrarian economy has been hit hard, with vast areas of paddy and cotton fields under water. According to the World MSME Forum, farmland losses alone stand at nearly ₹50,000 crore, making it one of the biggest agricultural setbacks in the state’s history. Thousands of farmers face uncertainty as their standing crops are completely destroyed.
Industry and businesses across Punjab have also suffered heavily. Factories, warehouses, and grain storage units have been damaged, adding another ₹30,000 crore in losses. Roads, bridges, and rail links in several districts remain broken or submerged, disrupting trade and supply chains. With damage running into tens of thousands of crores, the economic impact is expected to be long-lasting.
The state government has appealed to the Centre for urgent assistance, seeking a relief package of ₹1 lakh crore to help farmers, industries, and flood-hit families recover. Opposition leaders have also criticized both state and central governments for not responding swiftly enough to the crisis. Experts warn that without significant intervention, Punjab could face a prolonged agricultural and economic crisis in the coming months.
