Tarn Taran -Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) Vice President and former MLA & constituency in-charge of Khadoor Sahib, Ravinder Singh Brahmpura, today expressed deep sorrow over the heavy losses incurred by farmers due to the rising water level in the Beas river, terming it a direct failure of the AAP government and the administration.Brahmpura stated, “It is deeply regrettable that the administration did not provide any prior warning to the farmers about the rising water level in the river. This negligence has led to the complete destruction of over 12,000 acres of paddy and fodder crops in nearly 20 villages of the constituency, including Munda Pind, Goindwal Sahib, Vairowal, Dhunda, and Chamba Kalan.” He added, “What could be a bigger proof of the AAP government’s anti-farmer stance than the fact that no government representative has visited the affected farmers in this hour of natural calamity?”
Demanding swift action from the Punjab Government, Brahmpura said that a “Special Girdawari” (a special survey to assess crop loss) must be ordered immediately in the affected areas. He strongly urged the government to provide immediate compensation of at least Rs 50,000 per acre to the affected farmers. He also insisted on the waiver of agricultural loans, electricity bills, and dues of cooperative societies for the victims. Further, he demanded that the government make immediate arrangements for green and dry fodder for the cattle. “The officials whose negligence led to this massive loss must be held accountable and face strict action,” he asserted.
Brahmpura warned that if the government fails to take prompt steps to provide relief to the farmers, the Shiromani Akali Dal, along with farmers and farm unions, will be forced to launch a fierce agitation against the local administration.