(a) whether, Punjab plains were flooded during September-October 2019 and it caused lot of damage to crops , animals etc.;
(b) if so, the quantum of financial assistance provided to the State of Punjab for the same;
(c) whether the Union Government has any proposal for canalization of Punjab rivers to stop this kind of damage in future; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI & SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT
(SHRI RATTAN LAL KATARIA)
(a) & (b) The State Government of Punjab has informed that certain areas of the State were affected by the floods during South-West Monsoon-2019 which has caused damage to crops, animals, etc. For providing, relief to the people affected due to natural calamities which inter-alia includes floods, State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) has already been placed at the disposal of the State Government. Under the SDRF, as reported by the State Government, an amount of Rs.6,262.11 crores is available as on 1st April, 2019. As informed by Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India has also released 1st instalment of central share of SDRF amounting to Rs.313.05 crores (including an amount of Rs.135.30 cores as arrears of 2018-19) for the year 2019-20. As such, an amount of Rs.6,575.16 crores is available in their SDRF for management of necessary relief measures. Government has constituted Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) before receipt of memorandum from state of Punjab and visited the State from 12th to 13th September, 2019. However, State has not submitted a detailed memorandum on the damages caused by flood.
(c) & (d) Flood management & anti-erosion schemes are planned, investigated and implemented by the State Governments with their own resources as per priority within the State. The Union Government supplements the efforts of the States by way of technical guidance and promotional financial assistance for flood management in critical areas.
No proposal for canalization of Punjab rivers to stop this kind of damage in future has been received by Central Water Commission from State Government of Punjab.
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