PM Modi says his govt stands ‘shoulder-to-shoulder’ with flood-hit people during visits to Himachal, Punjab

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sep 9 embarked on a one-day visit to the severely flood-affected states of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab.

Ahead of his departure from Delhi, he posted on X: “The Government of India stands shoulder to shoulder with those affected in this tragic hour.”

In Himachal Pradesh, Modi conducted an aerial survey from Kangra over districts such as Mandi and Kullu, which were engulfed by floods, landslides, and heavy rainfall.

He then chaired a high-level review meeting in Kangra, during which he announced ₹1,500 crore in immediate relief. Additionally, he approved the advance release of SDRF (State Disaster Response Fund) and PM Kisan Samman Nidhi funds. Ex-gratia payments amounting to ₹2 lakh for the next of kin of deceased individuals and ₹50,000 for the seriously injured were also declared.

Modi highlighted a multidimensional relief approach that includes rebuilding homes under PM Awas Yojana, restoring national highways, rebuilding schools, providing support via the PM National Relief Fund (PMNRF), and supplying livestock mini-kits.

Later, the Prime Minister proceeded to Punjab, where he conducted an aerial survey of flood-ravaged areas.

In Gurdaspur, he held a ground-level review session and met with affected individuals, along with teams from NDRF, SDRF, and Aapda Mitra.

Punjab is facing one of its worst flood disasters in decades. The official toll has risen to 51, and approximately 1.84 lakh hectares of crops have been destroyed due to swollen Sutlej, Beas, Ravi rivers and contributing rains.

Ahead of the visit, opposition and state leaders, including AAP’s Aman Arora and Sanjay Singh urged the Prime Minister to consider a comprehensive relief package of at least ₹20,000 crore to address extensive damage to infrastructure, agriculture, livestock, and housing.