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Punjab cuts flood damage claim to Rs 11,855 crore in final report to NDMA

State’s assessment revised twice since preliminary memorandum; Centre-state friction over relief funds

3 min readChandigarhJan 10, 2026 02:15 PM IST

Punjab cuts flood damage claim to Rs 11,855 crore in final report to NDMA

According to a Punjab government officer, the final assessment was carried out under the Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) framework, which applies once a state is declared severely flood-affected. (file)

Punjab has revised its flood damage assessment for the second time, reducing its final relief demand to Rs 11,855 crore, as the state government sent its final report to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) earlier this month.

The assessment has been scaled down from Rs 13,289 crore in the preliminary memorandum to Rs 12,905 crore in October 2025, and now to Rs 11,855 crore in January 2026 — a reduction of Rs 1,050 crore from the October estimate.

According to a Punjab government officer, the final assessment was carried out under the Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) framework, which applies once a state is declared severely flood-affected. “We took the assistance of IIT Roorkee. The damage has been calculated scientifically, and we are now seeking compensation for the actual losses suffered,” the officer said.

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The assessment was finalised after several central teams visited the flood-hit areas. The exercise had earlier triggered a political controversy after Union minister Shivraj Chouhan blamed illegal mining for causing floods in Punjab. Centre-state relations hit a new low when the Punjab government alleged that not a single rupee had been released by the Centre towards flood relief, while the Centre sought details of nearly Rs 12,000 crore lying in the state’s disaster management fund.

“The earlier memorandum was based on approximations. This report reflects actual damage, and the figures were finalised in agreement with the central teams,” the officer said, adding that it took nearly three months to complete the report.

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The report sent to the NDMA seeks Rs 11,855.65 crore for rebuilding public infrastructure. This includes Rs 3,949 crore for road repairs, Rs 3,034 crore for agriculture and horticulture, Rs 2,077.61 crore for the Water Resources and Irrigation Department, Rs 1,137 crore for schools and colleges, and Rs 1,135 crore for hospitals and dispensaries.

Additional allocations sought include Rs 149 crore for animal husbandry, Rs 37.20 crore for the power department’s infrastructure, Rs 34.51 crore for fisheries, Rs 22.01 crore for water supply and sanitation, and Rs 3.6 crore for the forest and environment department. The state has also sought an additional Rs 274 crore under other heads

Kanchan Vasdev

Kanchan Vasdev is a Senior Assistant Editor in The Indian Express’ Punjab bureau. She is a highly experienced journalist with 22 years of expertise covering high-stakes politics, governance, and social issues in Northern India. Professional Background Role: Primary reporter covering the Punjab Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), government policies, and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leadership in the state. Experience: She previously worked with The Tribune and has played a key role in launching various city editions. Special Projects: Abandoned Brides: Authored a monograph on brides abandoned by NRIs as part of the Prabha Dutt Memorial Fellowship. Environment: Worked as a Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) fellow, focusing on the pollution levels in the Satluj river. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Her recent reporting focuses on the legislative strategies and political maneuvers of the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government: 1. Legislative & Governance Standoffs "Punjab govt advances special Assembly session to pass resolution against VB-G RAM G Bill" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on the state's move to block the Centre's "Viksit Bharat" mission, which the state claims will undermine MGNREGA. "Punjab govt doubles down on special sessions, sixth in January" (Dec 19, 2025): Detailing the AAP government's use of special sessions as a legislative tool amid tensions with the Governor. "Punjab asks 'VIP teachers' working near Chandigarh to go back to border districts" (Dec 16, 2025): Reporting on CM Mann's move to end the practice of influential teachers avoiding postings in remote areas. 2. Political Analysis & Rural Polls "Punjab rural polls: Why Akalis are likened to dinosaurs in Punjab" (Dec 19, 2025): Analyzing CM Bhagwant Mann's rhetoric against the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) following local body elections. "AAP claims win in 78% Punjab zila parishads as counting continues" (Dec 18, 2025): Breaking down the results of the 2025 rural elections. "Rahul Gandhi and Sidhu alike, says Bhagwant Mann" (Dec 13, 2025): Covering the CM's critique of the Congress leadership. 3. Law Enforcement & Bureaucracy "Suspended Punjab IPS officer Ravjot Kaur Grewal awaits reinstatement" (Dec 10, 2025): Investigative reporting on the bureaucratic red tape involving the Election Commission and the state government. "Punjab declines to give parole to Amritpal Singh" (Nov 27, 2025): Detailing the state government's refusal to grant parole to the radical preacher and sitting MP. 4. Welfare & Economy "Punjab government's plan to add more freebies to 'atta-dal' scheme hits funds roadblock" (Dec 4, 2024): An analysis of the fiscal challenges facing the state's flagship food security program. "Mann leads Punjab delegation to Japan and South Korea for investor outreach" (Dec 2, 2025). Signature Beat Kanchan Vasdev is known for her insider access to Punjab's political executive. Her writing provides deep insights into how state policies are formulated and the friction points between the state government and central authorities. Her dual expertise in environment and law allows her to report on complex issues like the "Farmhouse Policy" (Dec 18, 2025) and river pollution with a unique policy-oriented lens. X (Twitter): @kanchan99 ... Read More

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