Hailstorm damage assessment underway in Gulmarg: CM

Srinagar, | Sept: 28:Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who also holds the Revenue portfolio, Monday informed the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly that a detailed on-the-spot assessment of crop damage caused by the severe hailstorm in parts of Gulmarg Constituency is currently underway.
Replying to a Calling Attention Notice by MLA Gulmarg, Pirzada Farooq Ahmad Shah during the Autumn Session, the Chief Minister said the hailstorm occurred during the intervening night of September 11 and 12, 2026, at around 11:45 PM, affecting various villages of Tehsil Kunzer/Tangmarg.
The hailstorm caused damage to agricultural and horticultural crops, including apple orchards, maize and paddy/rice. Revenue teams, along with Agriculture and Horticulture teams, have already been deputed to the affected villages to conduct on-the-spot assessment and verification of crop damage in accordance with the prescribed norms and guidelines.
The Chief Minister said the concerned teams have been directed to furnish their detailed assessment reports at the earliest. The village-wise and crop-wise extent of damage will be intimated after the field reports are received and consolidated.
On compensation and relief, the Chief Minister said no compensation or relief has been sanctioned or released so far, as the assessment and verification process is still underway. Sanction and release of compensation, along with the details of the amount and number of beneficiaries, will follow strictly as per the prescribed relief norms after receipt and processing of the consolidated assessment report.
He further informed the House that no case has been finalized as on date, and the number of cases assessed, approved, paid and pending will be reported once the detailed assessment reports from the field functionaries are received and consolidated.
Regarding any special relief or assistance for the affected farmers and horticulturists, the Chief Minister said there is presently no such proposal with the department, as the assessment of losses is still under process in the district.