Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 26: National Conference Provincial President Devender Singh Rana today expressed anguish over the damages caused due to flash flood in parts of the Jammu region due to incessant monsoon rains and urged the administration to undertake immediate restoration of infrastructure.
” A contingency plan is needed to be formulated in view of the weather forecast of more rains in the coming few days”, Rana said in a statement, adding that the rains have already caused havoc in various places and taking a toll of precious lives due to landslides. He expressed grief over the deaths in the Reasi area and conveyed condolences to the bereaved families.
He said the recent rains have hugely damaged the standing crops and urged the concerned Governmental agencies to release immediate preliminary relief in terms of free rations and financial assistance till a survey is conducted to ascertain the actual losses. He also sought deputation of an empowered team of revenue and agriculture officers to carry out the survey at ground zero, saying the recent hailstorm too has created havoc with the farm produce.
The Provincial President said the hard toil of farmers stand ruined and they have nothing to look for, except assistance from the Government. He hoped the government will rise to the occasion and come to the rescue of the farming community and said such farmers, whose crops are not insured, need to be compensated fully. However, interim relief should be provided to all, he said, adding that the affected farmers should also be provided inputs for the next cropping season liberally.
The Provincial President called for an institutional mechanism so that the extent of damages due to natural calamities can be assessed in routine, without farmers feeling compelled to agitate. This is the least the government can do for the farming community and incentivizing agriculture that is the backbone of the rural economy, he added.
Expressing solidarity with the rain sufferers, Rana reminded the administration of its obligations towards the people and urged them to come forward with a package for them. He also sought restoration of the utility services especially power, drinking water and roads so that the sufferings of the people are minimized.
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