Chandigarh: Punjab is reeling under its worst floods in over three decades, with more than 1,900 villages across all 23 districts affected and at least 43 lives lost. Nearly 3.5 million people have been displaced as floodwaters submerged over 2.5 lakh acres of farmland, destroying standing crops just weeks before harvest.

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, during a visit to the flood-hit areas, blamed the devastation on illegal mining, which weakened embankments and failed to withstand the rising waters. “The state government must act with seriousness. The Centre will extend full support for relief and long-term rehabilitation,” he said.

Gurdaspur has emerged as the worst-hit district, with 40,000 hectares of crops damaged and over 329 villages under water. Relief camps have been set up, with 22,000 people evacuated so far.

Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has urged the Prime Minister to release ₹60,000 crore in pending central funds and demanded higher compensation for farmers, calling the current ₹6,800 per acre “grossly inadequate.