AAP MP Meet Hayer raises key issues in Parliament regarding Disaster Management Amendment Bill

New Delhi/Chandigarh, December 12, 2024: In the Parliamentary session on Thursday, Aam Aadmi Party MP Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer raised critical concerns regarding disaster management fund allocation, and the challenges faced by farmers in Punjab due to inter-state disputes. Highlighting the need for a fair and transparent approach, Meet Hayer called for state representation in disaster management fund allocation.

Meet Hayer said that disaster management funds should be allocated with adequate representation from the states. Drawing attention to past instances, he said, “In 2023, floods caused widespread destruction in Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Bihar, yet the special relief package was directed solely to Bihar. This disparity highlights the need for a mechanism ensuring state representation in fund allocation decisions.”

Stressing the importance of addressing recent disasters, Hayer urged the central government to compensate Punjab for the damages sustained during the 2023 floods. “Under the new norms, the government must account for the Rs. 1,600 crore public property damage Punjab suffered,” he said, adding that this was crucial for rebuilding infrastructure and aiding affected communities.

The MP pointed out that livestock diseases, such as the lumpy skin disease that resulted in the death of 18,000 cows in Punjab, should be included under disaster management provisions. “Neglecting this aspect undermines the agricultural backbone of the state,” he remarked.

During his address, Meet Hayer highlighted the glaring disparity in compensation rates for livestock loss. He pointed out that while the market value of a buffalo in Punjab is approximately Rs. 1 lakh, the compensation provided under disaster management norms is merely Rs. 37,500. “This outdated rate fails to account for the actual economic loss faced by farmers. It is imperative for the central government to revise these norms and align the compensation rates with the current market value to ensure justice for affected farmers,” he stated.

Highlighting the need for robust infrastructure along Punjab’s river systems—Ravi, Sutlej, Beas, and Ghaggar—Hayer called for immediate federal support to construct embankments and strengthen flood control mechanisms. He noted that Punjab’s government had already submitted a proposal to the central government for a Rs. 180 crore project, with 40% of the funding to be shared by Punjab.

Discussing the long-standing issue of the Ghaggar River, Hayer stated that Punjab farmers suffer massive losses every year due to flooding. He attributed this to Haryana’s refusal to provide the necessary NOC for building embankment (dhussi bandh) on Ghaggar. “The central government must mediate between Punjab and Haryana to resolve this issue, ensuring thousands of farmers in areas like Khanauri and Sangrur are no longer at the mercy of nature,” he asserted.

Concluding his address, Meet Hayer urged the central government to prioritize equitable disaster management policies, address inter-state disputes, and ensure timely allocation of funds to safeguard public and agricultural interests.