The Punjab government has formally submitted its final assessment of damages caused by the devastating 2025 floods, pegging the total financial requirement for recovery at Rs 11,855.65 crore. This figure, sent to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) earlier this month, marks the second revision downward from the state's initial estimates, reflecting a contentious process marred by political friction between the state and central governments.
From Approximations to Scientific Assessment
The final demand represents a substantial reduction from the state's preliminary memorandum, which sought Rs 13,289 crore. This was first revised to Rs 12,905 crore in October 2025, and has now been finalized at Rs 11,855 crore in January 2026—a cut of Rs 1,050 crore from the October estimate. A senior Punjab government official explained that the earlier figures were based on approximations, while the final report was prepared under the rigorous Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) framework, which is activated once a state is declared severely flood-affected.
"We took the assistance of IIT Roorkee," the officer stated. "The damage has been calculated scientifically, and we are now seeking compensation for the actual losses suffered." The officer emphasized that the report, which took nearly three months to complete, was finalized in agreement with several central teams that visited the flood-ravaged areas of the state.
A Saga of Political Tension and Revised Claims
The assessment exercise has been fraught with political controversy. Relations between the Bhagwant Mann-led AAP government and the Centre hit a low point after Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan blamed illegal mining for exacerbating the floods in Punjab. The situation deteriorated further when the state government alleged that not a single rupee had been released by the Centre for flood relief. In response, the Centre questioned the state about details of nearly Rs 12,000 crore reportedly lying unutilized in Punjab's State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF).
This backdrop of mutual suspicion likely influenced the state's cautious approach, leading to a meticulously prepared final report designed to withstand scrutiny from central authorities wary of what state officials have termed "hole-picking" in relief memos.
Sector-Wise Breakdown of the Rs 11,855 Crore Demand
The comprehensive report sent to the NDMA outlines a detailed sectoral allocation for rebuilding public infrastructure. The largest share, Rs 3,949 crore, is earmarked for the repair and restoration of damaged roads. The agriculture and horticulture sector, critical to Punjab's economy, follows with a demand of Rs 3,034 crore to help farmers recover.
The Water Resources and Irrigation Department has sought Rs 2,077.61 crore, while the education and health sectors require significant funds for reconstruction. The report asks for Rs 1,137 crore for schools and colleges and Rs 1,135 crore for hospitals and dispensaries.
Other key allocations in the final memorandum include:
- Rs 149 crore for Animal Husbandry
- Rs 37.20 crore for Power Department infrastructure
- Rs 34.51 crore for Fisheries
- Rs 22.01 crore for Water Supply and Sanitation
- Rs 3.6 crore for the Forest and Environment Department
The state has also sought an additional Rs 274 crore under various other heads to cover comprehensive rehabilitation efforts.
With the final report now submitted, the focus shifts to the Centre's response. The scientifically vetted PDNA report puts the ball in the central government's court to release the requested funds, potentially easing the strained fiscal and political tensions that have characterized Punjab's quest for flood relief since the calamity struck.
