Punjab: Worst floods since independence

Punjab: Old timers remember Gurdaspur witnessing the worst floods since Independence. The water level in the Ravi, Ujh and Chakki rivers was much higher than in 1988. Farmer leaders claim that one-third of Punjab’s paddy crop has been destroyed. The receding water has also rendered agricultural land unsuitable for wheat sowing. Farmer leaders are demanding Rs 70,000 per acre compensation and complete loan waiver. In the know, farmers will not get their demands met.

Most farmers are already in debt and there are reports that farmers have developed suicidal tendencies in many places. Many roads, low-lying areas and fields have been inundated after the rains. Politicians are making a beeline to meet the farmers but are doing nothing other than making lip service. The city has also received more rain than the weather department had predicted. Shopkeepers have suffered heavy losses. Schools and colleges remained closed for a long time and many institutions had to resort to online classes.