JAMMU: Senior National Conference leaders on Thursday expressed grave concern over the alarming flood situation across the State and sought expeditious relief measures in the areas hit by incessant rains for the past few days. While expressing solidarity with those affected by flash floods or overflowing of Nallahas and streams, the leaders urged the administration to have a viable mechanism in place for meeting the exigencies.
In a joint statement former legislators and senior leaders, Syed Mushtaq Ahmed Bukhari and Th Rachpal Singh said that immense damages have caused to property and agriculture land due to massive downpour in Poonch and Rajouri districts. They sought immediate survey of the areas for assessing the losses and provision of interim relief in terms of cash assistance and free rations to the flood-hit people. They also demanded shifting of people residing in vulnerable areas to safer places to avert any mishap. They also called for formulation of area-wise contingency plans to meet any unforeseen eventuality as the Meteorological department has predicted more rains in the coming days.
The leaders expressed their grief and anguish over the loss of life and prayed for peace to departed souls. They said no amount can compensate the loss of the families who lost their dear ones but expected the government to release immediate ex-gratia to the affected people. “In view of the grim situation in certain areas of Poonch, Rajouri, Banihal and largely in the Kashmir Valley, the government should pool all the resources to meet the challenge”, the National Conference leaders added. The NC leaders also stressed the need for restoration of public utility services especially the road network, which has suffered immensely in the rural and far-flung areas.