Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Oct 2: Leader of Opposition and former Chief Minister of J&K, Ghulam Nabi Azad continues to reach out to the different parts of the State which have been affected by recent ceaseless rains, causing landslides and flash floods.
After visiting the Mahu Mangat area in Banihal constituency today morning, Mr Azad flew to Chhatrro and Kuchhal in Inderwal Constituency. Soon after landing at these locations, Mr Azad inspected the areas which have been affected by landslides and flash floods. He also interacted with the people at the said locations and subsequently flew to Changa, Kilhotran in Gundoh to finally land at Bhaderwah – the Assembly Constituency which he represented as Chief Minister.
Expressing solidarity with the people who suffered losses in the recent rains and floods, Mr Azad said that continued rains and rising water levels besides causing damages, created trepidations and psychological fear among the people across the State. “The calamitous rainfall that lashed our State in the first week of September has left the people in a state of shock, and there are signs of pillage and ruin everywhere”, said Azad.
Mr Azad said he is pained to see the huge tracts of lands getting washed off, infrastructure like roads, buildings, bridges, power distribution network, tourist amenities, etc getting rampaged by the excessive rains and flash floods, adding that the damage is unprecedented and it will take many years to rebuild and restore the devastated infrastructure.
Referring to the announcement of Special Central Package, Mr Azad said that it is the practice of Central Government to announce such special packages for reconstruction and rehabilitation whenever a calamity of colossal magnitude strikes any part of the country.
He expressed hope that Central Government, without getting influenced by partisan considerations, will support the State Government with a liberal financial package without any further delay so that the task of reconstruction and rehabilitation is taken up in the right earnest.
Calling upon the administrative machinery to ensure proper registration of the damages occurred, Mr Azad also advised the people to approach the respective authorities well in time to get their damages assessed. He also sought immediate identification of land at safer locations for those whose lands have been washed out in the flash floods and landslides.
Mr Azad was accompanied by Mohammad Sharief Niaz, Dy CLP Leader & MLA Bhaderwah, G M Saroori Former Minister & MLA Inderwal, Vikar Rasool Wani MOS Technical Education, Power & Information, Naresh Gupta, MLC, Aslam Goni, Senior Congress leader and other local leaders.
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