Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 10: National Conference (NC) additional general secretary and former minister Ajay Kumar Sadhotra today visited rain and flood-affected areas of Jammu North Assembly Constituency, with a special focus on Kheri, where sinking soil, deep cracks in houses, and continuous erosion have triggered fear among residents.
During the visit, Sadhotra interacted with the affected families, who narrated their ordeal of living under constant threat due to unstable soil conditions aggravated by recent heavy rains and floods. He expressed grave concern, pointing out that many houses have developed dangerous cracks while some structures stand on the verge of collapse.
“The unfolding situation in Kheri is a stark reminder that floods and rains are no longer routine seasonal phenomena but are manifesting in unexpected and alarming forms such as soil sinking, sudden landslides, and unusual erosion in areas not earlier considered vulnerable,” Sadhotra said.
Calling for an exhaustive scientific and technical survey, the NC leader urged authorities to immediately deploy expert teams to assess the depth of damage and risk. He stressed that the response must go beyond traditional relief and rehabilitation, and instead adopt a holistic strategy combining immediate relief, long-term rehabilitation, and scientific interventions.
Sadhotra underlined that relocating families living in endangered areas should be prioritized and suggested devising an “out-of-box solution” to deal with the unpredictability of natural calamities in newer geographies.
He reiterated that the Omar Abdullah-led NC has always taken natural calamities seriously and remains committed to mitigating public suffering.
Appealing to the administration, Sadhotra sought urgent preventive measures, dedicated monitoring cells, and mechanisms for timely alerts and early evacuation in vulnerable zones to avoid future loss of life and property.
Those accompanying Sadhotra during his visit to the area included Raghubir Singh Manhas (district president), Bagh Ali (zonal vice president), Randhir Singh (district secretary), Rakesh Sharma (YNC district president, Mohd Razak and Abdul Gani.
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