Mann says Centre's riders hampering flood rescue

PUNJAB Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday claimed that the riders imposed by the Union government were hindering his government's ability to provide adequate relief to flood-affected people, even as he demanded higher compensation for farmers and victims who have lost their lives or property in the recent deluge.

- HARPREET BAJWA @Chandigarh

He said farmers were devastated by the floodwaters, which damaged paddy and other crops that were on the verge of harvest. "At least ₹50,000 per acre should be paid to farmers for their crop loss," he urged, adding that livestock loss had worsened the situation for rural households dependent on dairy and animal husbandry.

Touring flood-hit villages of Ferozepur district in a boat, Mann said that thousands of families were reeling under the impact of heavy monsoon rains and water released from dams, which submerged nearly three lakh acres of farmland across the state.