PM Modi Heads to Punjab and Himachal Amid ₹20,000 Crore Flood Relief Demands
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 9, 2025, embarked on a crucial visit to Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, two states severely hit by floods and landslides this monsoon season. The visit comes amid mounting demands from state officials and local leaders for a comprehensive flood relief package worth ₹20,000 crore to address the widespread devastation caused by heavy rains.
What Is Happening?
Himachal Pradesh and Punjab have suffered extensive damage due to cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides between June and early September 2025. In Himachal, floods have claimed over 370 lives and caused infrastructural damage exceeding ₹4,100 crore, with thousands of homes, shops, and roads destroyed or severely impaired. Punjab, grappling with relentless monsoon flooding, reports over 50 deaths and losses spanning homes, agricultural lands, and infrastructure.
Prime Minister Modi conducted aerial surveys of affected regions in both states before holding detailed review meetings with state officials, including Chief Secretaries and disaster management teams. In Himachal Pradesh, Modi met with flood victims in areas like Mandi and Kullu, expressing solidarity and offering condolences. He also interacted with National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and local volunteers actively engaged in rescue operations.
Financial Assistance Announced
In response to the devastation, Modi announced a financial assistance package of ₹1,500 crore for Himachal Pradesh and ₹1,600 crore for Punjab. These allocations include the expedited release of the second instalment of the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and aid under schemes such as the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi and PM Awas Yojana-Gramin.
To compensate for human losses, ex-gratia payments of ₹2 lakh to the next of kin of deceased individuals and ₹50,000 to those seriously injured were also declared. The Prime Minister assured continued government support for rebuilding homes, restoring damaged schools through the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, repairing national highways, and supporting farmers, especially those without electricity connections, with aid like livestock mini-kits.
Demands for a Larger Relief Package
Despite these announcements, political voices and local leaders demand a significantly larger flood relief package. Aam Aadmi Party Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh emphasized that the requested ₹20,000 crore package reflects the vast scale of damage, including loss of livestock, crops, roads, shops, and homes. Punjab ministers echoed this call, stressing that the ₹1,600 crore announced falls short of meeting the urgent recovery needs.
Sanjay Singh said, “We have demanded from PM Modi that his visit should not just be a photo opportunity but should translate into a comprehensive relief package with a minimum of ₹20,000 crores for Punjab alone.”
Background and Impact
The monsoon season of 2025 delivered relentless rainfall, causing over 130 major landslides, nearly 100 flash floods, and several cloudbursts in Himachal Pradesh. Roads became impassable, villages were cut off, and essential services faltered amidst the natural calamity. In Punjab, extensive flooding particularly affected Gurdaspur, Pathankot, and Amritsar districts. Thousands of families faced displacement and loss of livelihood.
The damage has triggered economic setbacks in agriculture-dependent communities who are now facing urgent needs for rehabilitation, compensation, and infrastructure rebuilding ahead of the upcoming winter.
Expert and Eyewitness Insights
Officials highlighted the challenges in coordinating relief under such severe and ongoing weather conditions. A senior official of NDRF said, “The terrain in Himachal makes rescue operations difficult, and continuous rains hamper efforts, but our teams remain committed to reaching all affected communities.”
Flood survivor Rajesh Kumar from Kangra expressed hope, “PM Modi’s visit and the announced aid give some comfort, but the ground reality demands more sustained support in the weeks ahead.”
What’s Next?
The Centre has dispatched Inter-Ministerial teams to conduct detailed assessments in both states to guide further assistance. The government has committed to a multi-dimensional recovery plan focusing on timely relief distribution, rebuilding houses, restoring infrastructure, supporting education, and improving water management through harvesting structures.
Despite the significant initial aid announced, the debate continues about the adequacy of relief in proportion to the overwhelming damages. The states and their citizens await further announcements and swift implementation of support measures to restore normalcy.
Summary
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to flood-affected Punjab and Himachal Pradesh underscores the government’s acknowledgment of the crisis and its commitment to relief and rehabilitation. While financial aid worth ₹3,100 crore has been announced, there is strong public and political advocacy for a larger relief package worth ₹20,000 crore, reflecting the scale of destruction. The coming weeks will be critical as assessment reports shape further assistance and the states embark on long-term recovery.
For residents and observers, staying informed through official government updates and local relief agencies will be crucial in navigating the ongoing situation.
