Chandigarh/Gurdaspur, Sept. 10 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday unveiled a series of sector-specific announcements aimed at reviving Punjab in the aftermath of the devastating floods. Apart from the Rs.1,600 crore financial assistance, the PM outlined a comprehensive set of measures to support water sustainability, housing reconstruction and education for those affected by the disaster. Punjab is facing its worst floods in nearly four decades . At least 52 people have been killed in rain-related incidents across the state during the monsoon. After taking stock of the situation in Punjab in the wake of floods and landslides and conducting aerial surveys of the affected areas, the PM announced the launch of an ambitious initiative under the "Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari" initiative, which will focus on the construction of recharge structures for water harvesting across Punjab, with an emphasis on repairing damaged structures and creating new ones, according to an official release. "These efforts will enhance rainwater harvesting and ensure long-term water sustainability for the region, which is crucial for both agriculture and daily living," the PM said in a release. This initiative is expected to provide lasting solutions to water shortages, a recurring problem in Punjab, and will be integral to the state's recovery and resilience to future floods. The PM also promised financial assistance for government schools that have been damaged by floods. The aid will be provided under the "Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan", a national programme aimed at improving school infrastructure. "The Punjab government is required to provide all requisite supporting information as per the guidelines," PM Modi stated in the release. As part of the recovery plan, the PM announced that financial assistance will be provided under the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana (Gramin) for the reconstruction of rural homes damaged during the floods. The Punjab government will submit a special project proposal to ensure that eligible households receive the necessary funds for rebuilding their homes, he said. In a compassionate gesture, PM Modi announced that children orphaned due to the floods and landslides will be extended comprehensive support under the PM CARES for Children scheme. This will ensure their long-term welfare, including education, healthcare and emotional support, as they recover from the tragedy. The PM also addressed the needs of farmers, especially those without power connections, stating that additional assistance would be provided to support their recovery. For farmers whose borewells were damaged or destroyed, the government will provide refurbishment aid under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), while those relying on diesel-powered bore pumps will be assisted in switching to solar panels through the ministry of new and renewable energy convergence. In line with efforts to improve irrigation, support will also be extended for micro-irrigation under the "Per Drop More Crop" guidelines under "Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana". These steps will help farmers improve crop yields and recover quickly from flood-induced losses, according to the release. The PM also expressed his condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones, stating that the Union government would continue to work in close coordination with the Punjab government to provide all possible assistance during this challenging time. He also acknowledged the tireless efforts of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), army and state administration for their rapid response to the crisis, helping to save lives and mitigate further damage. After attending a meeting with farmers at Tibri Military Station in Gurdaspur, the PM listened to 19 farmers and farm labourers from flood-affected areas across Punjab, including Dera Baba Nanak, Ajnala, Fazilka, Ferozepur and Sultanpur Lodhi. Farmers voiced their frustration over the illegal sand mining in river catchment areas, which they believe led to the weakening of the dhussi bundh embankments and contributed to the devastating breaches that caused widespread flooding. They highlighted that no funds were allocated to repair or strengthen the embankments, leaving them vulnerable during the floods. In response, the PM assured the farmers that he would ensure proper compensation for their losses, recalling how he had witnessed the devastation of the 1995 floods himself....