The BRICS TimesAam Aadmi Party leader Manish Sisodia stated that the Punjab government will soon introduce a policy allowing farmers to remove the sand left behind in their fields due to floods. He assured that farmers will have full permission to clear the deposits, adding that heavy crop losses have already caused immense damage to the farming community.
The devastating floods and heavy rainfall in Punjab have left widespread destruction in their wake, displacing lakhs of people and submerging numerous villages. Crops across large areas have been washed away, worsening the plight of those already affected by this natural disaster. Amid this crisis, the state government has decided to extend a major relief measure for farmers struggling with the aftermath of the calamity. Manish Sisodia, the Aam Aadmi Party’s in-charge for Punjab, announced that cultivators will be permitted to clear the sand that has accumulated in their fields following the floods.
Addressing the media on Sunday, September 7, Sisodia explained that farmers’ foremost concern is the heavy layer of silt and sand deposited on their farmland, which poses a serious obstacle for the upcoming sowing season. He pointed out that the destruction of standing crops due to floods has already inflicted massive financial losses on cultivators, and if the sand remains, preparing the land for the next crop cycle would become extremely difficult.
Highlighting farmers’ concerns about the Rabi season, Sisodia remarked, “The presence of sand in fields makes it nearly impossible to cultivate crops.” He said the problem was raised directly by farmers, who fear they will not be able to recover unless this issue is addressed.
While Punjab already has mining regulations, extraction without prior approval is prohibited. Sisodia emphasized that a separate decision was required to resolve this situation. He revealed that the state government is drafting a policy that will specifically allow farmers to remove the sand deposited in their farmland. Giving an assurance on behalf of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, he said, “The feedback from farmers has reached the state government, and it has been decided that they will be permitted to extract sand from their fields.” He further informed that a formal announcement on this matter would be made within the next one or two days.
Turning his attention to the Centre, Sisodia criticized the lack of action despite repeated visits and discussions by top leaders. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled visit to Punjab on September 9, he remarked, “The Prime Minister’s visit is welcome, but according to the scale of destruction caused by the floods, a significant relief package is necessary. Though he has spoken with CM Mann, Amit Shah has also discussed the issue, and Shivraj Singh Chouhan visited the state, the central government has yet to take any concrete step.”
Calling for urgent financial support, the AAP leader urged the Prime Minister to announce aid for Punjab during his visit. He said, “Prime Minister is coming, my request is that you make an assessment and take action. Your ministers have already reviewed the damage, but ultimately something must be done to provide relief to Punjab.” Stressing the dire need for assistance, Sisodia demanded the release of ₹60,000 crore, claiming that the amount has been pending with the central government and should now be allocated to help the people of the flood-hit state recover.
