Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a critical, day-long mission on Tuesday to assess the devastating impact of recent floods and landslides in Himachal Pradesh and Punjab. In Himachal, he conducted an aerial survey from Kangra focusing on severely damaged areas in Mandi and Kullu, areas reeling from monsoon deluges and terrain collapse. The survey underscored the gravity of the crisis and the central government’s commitment to on-the-ground response.
Following the aerial review, the Prime Minister chaired a high-level assessment and relief discussion in Kangra. As part of his itinerary, he will soon move on to Gurdaspur in Punjab to conduct a similar review of the flood-stricken regions and meet with stakeholders involved in rescue and rehabilitation efforts, including NDRF, SDRF, and Aapda Mitra teams.
The ongoing crisis in Punjab is particularly alarming: nearly 1,500 villages have been impacted, affecting around 300,000 people. AAP leaders have expressed concern over perceived delays in central aid and demanded prompt release of pending funds.
Adding to the urgency, Punjab’s Health Minister disclosed that flood-induced destruction to healthcare infrastructure has resulted in losses exceeding ₹780 crore. This includes damage to hundreds of health facilities, significant loss of medicines, and the crippling of emergency services in affected districts. The minister is urging the Centre to allocate at least ₹20,000 crore for healthcare relief and infrastructure rebuilding.
Amid mounting public frustration, political leaders have criticized what they term as “flood tourism” by politicians—insisting that meaningful support, not symbolic visits, will restore normalcy. They reiterate that Punjab’s role as the nation’s agricultural backbone calls for swift prioritization.
As Prime Minister Modi moves from evaluation to action, the central government’s next steps—including outreach, aid disbursement, and long-term rehabilitation strategy—are being closely watched by affected communities and state leaders alike.