Punjab will soon allow farmers to sell sand deposits from flood-affected fields, offering crucial relief amid significant crop losses and pending central funds totaling ₹60,000 crore.
In a significant move to assist farmers affected by recent floods, Manish Sisodia, the Punjab Incharge and a senior leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), announced on Sunday that the state government will soon permit farmers to sell sand deposits left on their fields by floodwaters. This policy is expected to be finalized and notified within the next two days.
“This will be a big relief for farmers. If they want to sell the sand, they can. The devastation is huge and relief has to be on a large scale,” Sisodia stated, emphasizing the government’s commitment to supporting those who have experienced extensive crop and property losses due to the floods.
He also welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Punjab on September 9, noting that the Prime Minister had already communicated with Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann regarding the situation. Additionally, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has reviewed the circumstances in the state. However, Sisodia expressed concern that substantial action from the central government has yet to materialize.
Highlighting the financial challenges faced by Punjab, Sisodia pointed out that nearly ₹60,000 crore owed to the state by the central government remains withheld. This includes ₹58,000 crore related to Goods and Services Tax (GST) and rural development allocations. “Before the Prime Minister comes, the Centre should release Punjab’s ₹60,000 crore,” he remarked.
In a separate critique, Sisodia took aim at Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan, who visited Punjab to assess the flood damage. “The devastation is so severe that even a hard-hearted person would be moved, but Chauhan is busy making political statements. His remarks reflect his mindset,” Sisodia said.
The forthcoming sand auction policy, once implemented, is anticipated to provide farmers with a direct means of financial recovery. It will allow them to monetize sand deposits that have rendered their farmland unfit for cultivation, thereby offering a much-needed economic lifeline.
As the situation develops, the Punjab government’s initiative to allow the sale of flood-deposited sand could play a crucial role in alleviating the financial burdens faced by farmers in the region.
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