More than six months after devastating floods hit Tarn Taran district, 331 families whose homes collapsed remain without compensation, according to the Anti-Dalit Dastan Movement. The organisation's state president, Ranjit Singh Shakri, accused the Punjab Government of failing to deliver on Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann's promise of aid.
Government Inaction Despite Chief Minister's Announcement
Addressing the media on Sunday, Shakri said the floods had caused widespread destruction, damaging crops and destroying houses of many poor families. He recalled that Chief Minister Mann had announced compensation for those whose houses had collapsed during the crisis. However, no government official visited the affected areas to assess damage or collect details of the collapsed houses, leaving the victims disappointed and angry.
Organisation Conducts Its Own Survey
Shakri stated that since authorities took no action, the organisation conducted its own survey and documented 331 cases of collapsed houses across the district. When they tried to submit a collective representation on behalf of these families, district authorities initially refused to accept the applications. After a protest, the applications were finally submitted to the District Development and Panchayat Officer (DDPO) on January 6, 2026.
No Compensation After Nearly Six Months
Despite the passage of nearly six months since the submission, none of the affected families have received any compensation. Shakri said the organisation has been regularly pursuing the matter with the authorities concerned. He highlighted two specific cases: Surjit Kaur of Thathian Mahant village and Amandeep Kaur of Narli village are still living in the open with their families after losing their homes. Many other affected families face similar conditions.
Official Response
Devinder Singh, Secretary of Zila Parishad, Tarn Taran, said the process to address the matter would begin from Monday. No further details were provided about the timeline or amount of compensation.
