Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal has said that issue of waterlogging did not only damage the crops of farmers, but was now turning into a wider socio-economic problem. On a visit to Abohar and Fazilka on Sunday, the CM added that the issue must be tackled at a national-level as it had wider ramifications.
He added that prime minister Manmohan Singh had invited him to New Delhi so that a solution could be found to control the menace.
Attacking the Congress-led UPA government, Badal alleged that the Centre had taken long to wake up to the gravity of the situation. He added that due to the Centre's indifference, relief and rehabilitation was a function of politics and claimed that the state had suffered as a result.
"The tragedy calls for around-the-clock relief measures and service with missionary zeal for the redressing the people's grievances."
Badal also expressed hope that the much awaited clearance for the construction of Cancer hospital in state on the lines of Tata Memorial cancer hospital would also be given by the Union Cabinet soon.
He claimed that the PM had assured him that the compensation amount to the flood-hit would be increased.
"I am thankful to the Prime Minister for listening to me and providing me with the much-needed assurance on vital issues."
{{/usCountry}}"I am thankful to the Prime Minister for listening to me and providing me with the much-needed assurance on vital issues."
{{/usCountry}}Cabinet Minister Surjit Kumar Jiyani and Lok Sabha MP Sher Singh Ghubaya accompanied CM.
During his address at Sappawali village in Abohar, Badal showered praise on leader of opposition Sunil Jakhar for supporting the cause of state over the issue of waterlogging before the Prime Minister on Saturday.
When contacted, Jakhar said that it was duty to raise issues of vital importance to the state before the appropriate authorities so that a solution could be found.