NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi called the Centre’s initial relief fund for the Punjab flood a “grave injustice” and requested to facilitate a quick assessment of the damage and deliver a comprehensive relief package. “I write to you regarding the catastrophic floods that have devastated Punjab. During my recent visit, I witnessed the shocking devastation and its human cost. Over 4 lakh acres of paddy crop have destroyed, and over 10 lakh animals have perished. Lakhs of people, mostly from marginalised communities have lost their homes. The flood has also rendered vast tracts of land uncultivable in the near future. Even today, thousands of acres are submerged and villages remain cut off,” Rahul Gandhi said in his letter written on Tuesday.This came days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an aid of Rs 1,600 crore for Punjab following the States ravaged by recent floods after the unprecedented rain. In the letter, leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha said, “Despite the gravity of this crisis, I witnessed the very best of humanity. Communities rallied behind those who lost everything. People opened their homes to strangers and shared whatever little they had. Their generosity, and commitment to help, often at great personal risk was admirable.”Rahul Gandhi said the situation demands a bolder response from the Centre in terms of financial assistance.”The 1,600 crore initial relief announced by the union government does grave injustice to the people of Punjab. Estimates suggest that the state has suffered a loss of atleast Rs 20,000 Cr. This crisis demands a bolder response. I request the government to facilitate a quick assessment of the damage and deliver a comprehensive relief package,” he said.”Punjab will rise again. In their hour of need, we must reassure every farmer, every soldier, and every family in Punjab that India stands with them. We must come together and extend all possible support to help rebuild their future,” he added.
