Punjab Chief Minister Orders Special Survey for Wheat Crop Damage Assessment
In response to widespread agricultural distress, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has directed a special girdawari to evaluate the extensive damage inflicted upon the wheat crop by recent unseasonal rains and hailstorms. The assessment will cover affected regions across the state, with compensation to be disbursed in accordance with established norms once comprehensive reports are submitted by deputy commissioners.
Extensive Crop Losses Reported in Key Agricultural Districts
Initial reports emerging from the Malwa belt indicate severe and large-scale destruction of wheat that was ready for harvest. Districts including Bathinda, Mansa, and Muktsar have witnessed catastrophic losses, with some villages experiencing damage to up to 80% of their crops. The unseasonal weather events have flattened entire fields, rendering the produce unusable even as fodder, thereby exacerbating the financial strain on the farming community.
Chief Minister Mann, addressing queries, reaffirmed the state government's unwavering commitment to supporting farmers. He assured that all verified losses would be compensated, emphasizing that the administration stands firmly with the agricultural sector during this crisis.
Police Personnel Transferred Amid Allegations of Drug Trade Collusion
In a separate development, the Punjab government has transferred all eleven personnel stationed at the Kot Shamir police post in Bathinda. This decisive action was taken following multiple complaints regarding police inaction against local drug peddlers.
"We received information indicating the presence of some black sheep within the police force," stated CM Mann. "To eliminate public suspicion of collusion and uphold integrity, the entire staff has been relocated. Our campaign against drugs operates under a strict policy of zero tolerance."
Government Rejects Proposals to Alter Power Subsidy Framework
Chief Minister Mann has firmly dismissed suggestions from agricultural experts to replace the existing power subsidy with a Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system. He asserted that the current model will continue without change, highlighting that increased utilization of canal irrigation has already reduced dependency on electricity-operated tubewells.
Furthermore, Mann appealed to farmers to contribute to environmental efforts by planting at least four trees near their tubewells, a measure aimed at improving air quality across the state.
Political Reactions and Demands for Central Intervention
The crop damage crisis has triggered significant political responses. Rajya Sabha MP Vikramjit Singh Sahney has urgently requested the Union Government to announce a special compensation package for Punjab farmers. In a communication to Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Sahney noted preliminary assessments indicating crop damage ranging from 30% to 70% statewide. With over 34 lakh hectares under wheat cultivation, the scale of loss is described as "immense".
Sahney emphasized that the crisis surpasses the state's capacity to manage independently, pointing out that many farmers are still recovering from the 2025 floods and have not yet received full compensation for those losses.
Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring has also sought immediate intervention from the Centre, criticizing the state government's reliance on survey announcements. "The crop across entire fields is lying flattened. What is there to survey?" Warring questioned, advocating for the provision of interim relief without delay.
Simultaneously, Sukhbir Singh Badal has demanded compensation of ₹50,000 per acre for affected farmers, accusing the state administration of inadequate response. Addressing a rally in Muktsar, Badal urged party workers to actively extend relief, recalling the Shiromani Akali Dal's assistance during previous flood disasters.
Investigation into Past Power Agreements and Dismissal of Political Remarks
On the topic of Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) signed by previous governments, Chief Minister Mann stated that clauses causing financial detriment to the state are being systematically removed. Power Minister Sanjeev Arora added that while these agreements are being honored despite higher tariffs, any alleged irregularities are already under investigation.
In a lighter political note, CM Mann dismissed remarks from Raghav Chadha as "mere dialogue," humorously noting that "Ghayal" and "Ghatak" are distinct films. He termed Chadha's allegations against the Aam Aadmi Party as baseless, underscoring the importance of adhering to official party discipline.
