Batala, 09 September 2025 Fact Recorder
Punjab Desk: Punjab Executive Chief and MLA Sherry Kalsi announced that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the state cabinet has approved the historic “Jihaada Khet, Ohdi Ret” policy. This policy allows farmers affected by recent floods to collect accumulated sand and soil from their fields, and if they wish, also sell it.
MLA Sherry Kalsi stated that due to heavy floods, sand and soil have deposited in many agricultural fields. To provide relief to affected farmers, the government has decided to allow them to remove the accumulated sand and soil, and optionally sell it. Under this policy, farmers in all flood-affected villages will be permitted to collect sand from their land until 31 December of this year without requiring any permit.
He further explained that the collection of soil, sand, or river-borne material from agricultural land is a one-time opportunity and will not be considered as mining activity. The Deputy Commissioner of the respective district will announce the list of flood-affected villages where farmers or farmer groups can remove and transport sand, soil, or river-borne material.
To mitigate the impact of recent floods, district mining officers along with monitoring committees at district and sub-division levels will assist farmers in removing and transporting materials without disturbing the natural surface of the land, ponds, or streams.
MLA Sherry Kalsi also highlighted that to compensate for crop losses, the cabinet has decided that the Punjab government will provide Rs. 20,000 per acre — the highest compensation amount in India so far. This crucial decision aims to provide immediate relief to farmers trapped in the severe flood crisis.
