The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab has commenced disbursing compensation to farmers affected by the recent devastating floods, initiating one of the state's most extensive relief operations. The floods caused significant damage to crops, farmland, and homes across the region.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had announced a special crop loss survey on September 11, 2025, with an initial target for completion within 45 days. However, the compensation distribution began within 30 days. Payments are being directly transferred to farmers' bank accounts through an online portal, ensuring transparency and minimizing delays.
The floods damaged crops in 2,508 villages, impacting approximately 3.5 lakh acres of cultivable land. Farmers are set to receive compensation at a rate of Rs 20,000 per acre. The state government is providing an additional Rs 13,200 per farmer from its own resources, due to the absence of assistance from the central government. The government has stated that this is the highest compensation ever announced in Punjab for crop loss. In October 2021, the then Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi had declared Rs 17,000 per acre for cotton farmers hit by the pink bollworm pest.
In addition to crop damage, surveys were conducted to assess the damage to homes. Assessments for 30,806 houses have been completed, and the compensation for partially damaged houses has been increased from Rs 6,500 to Rs 40,000. Families who lost members in the floods will receive Rs 4 lakh each. Compensation has also been announced for lost livestock and poultry.
For the first time in Punjab, the entire assessment and compensation process is being managed through an online portal to promote accountability and efficient distribution. Over Rs 5 crore has already been transferred to farmers and affected families in the Ajnala region. Ground-level teams have been mobilized across the state to ensure that aid reaches all affected areas.
The state government is also focusing on long-term recovery through the “Jisda khet, usdi ret” policy, which aims to restore flood-affected farmland for cultivation. Under this policy, landowners can extract and sell the sand deposited in their fields until November 15, 2025, without needing any permits or No Objection Certificates. This policy aims to provide relief to the farmers and enable them to make their fields suitable for farming again, addressing concerns about the upcoming Rabi crop due to silt and sand accumulation.
Furthermore, efforts are underway to rebuild damaged villages and infrastructure as part of Mission Chardikala. Officials have emphasized that relief and rehabilitation are being prioritized above political considerations and the early disbursement of compensation demonstrates this commitment.
AAP leaders had previously urged the Haryana government to match Punjab's flood relief package, which includes Rs 20,000 per acre for crop loss and Rs 10 lakh for fully damaged homes. All AAP MLAs and MPs have also pledged to donate one month's salary to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund to support flood relief efforts. Additionally, AAP Rajya Sabha MP Vikramjit Singh Sahney has committed Rs 5 crore from his MPLADS allocation and personal contribution.
