Srinagar| Mar 4: Chairman Peoples Democratic Front ( PDF) and former Minister Hakeem Muhammad Yaeen has expressed deep concern over deaths of labourers and huge loss to property durin snow fall ,incessant rains and gusty winds across jammu and kashmir and has demanded immediate ex-gratia relief and compensation to the affected families. He has also appealed the Jammu & Kashmir Government to trace out bodies of three missing labourers on war footing basis who were washed away after an old Gungal Bridge in the Uri area Baramulla district was washed away on Sunday adding that thier families were in passing uneasy moments in utter anxiety.
In a statement issued on Monday Hakeem demanded compensation to those whose life and property was exclusively damaged in recent heavy rains, landslides ,hailstorm and gusty winds causing damage to residential houses , other structures and apple orchards in several parts of Jammu and Kashmir. He said there is an immediate need to reach out to the affected people and provide relief to them, Stating therein further that ” concerned authorities must send teams to affected areas to asses the losses so that the affected people are provided adequate relief. This exercise should not be time consuming but speedily conducted so that the relief is provided to the victims well in time”. PDF Chairman also urged the government to establish reliable all-weather connectivity in Valley to address the frequent blockades on Srinagar Jammu highway due to adverse weather conditions, especially during winter months, when the region’s economic activities are badly hit. He said every year in March heavy rains , landslides and gusty winds, cause damage to residential houses and other structures, adding that ” Sometimes precious human lives and cattle populationarelost”.
Stating that heavy rains also led to water logging in several areas of Kashmir valley including some parts of Srinagar city, Hakeem said situation arising during snowing and rains needs a solution on permanent basis . He said government should replace the defective drainage system on war footing to solve the water logging in populated areas . He further said there was also a need to increase the number of de watering pump stations and mobile pumps so that quick actions bring immediate respite to people. He said the water logging during coming rainy days will add to the problems of the people and sought immediate attention of the government towards dilapidated condition of Srinagar-Jammu highwat , adding therein that frequent disruptions on this highway being a lifeline for Kashmir’s economy poses significant challenges to the smooth flow of goods and services. He also said that the current situation on Jammu-Srinagar hhighwaynot only hampers daily transportation but also adversely affects key sectors like businesses, agriculture, and tourism, which are pivotal for Kashmir’s economic growth. “ The unreliable connectivity on the Srinagar-Jammu highway is a constant obstacle for local businesses,
leading to financial losses and hindering overall economic development ,“ Hakeem said . He urged the government to establish strong infrastructural facilities on war footing basis to ensure uninterrupted connectivity throughout the year.Saying that rains and snow have wrecked havoc across Kashmir ,Hakeem said about five persons lost their lives while about half a dozen were injured and over 400 structures have been damaged besides which atleast 1500 vehicles are stranded on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway .
