Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan on Friday visited the flood affected areas of Jammu and assessed the damage to the crop of farmers. He said that the central government will leave no stone unturned to provide assistance to the farmers.
Addressing reporters here, Chauhan said, “Today I have come as a humble servant of the people and farmers of Jammu and Kashmir. The recent natural disaster has caused heavy loss to crops. A team of the central government was also sent here. But I felt the need to see the loss of farmers myself. I should talk to the affected farmers. And then, we will not leave any possible help from the Prime Minister’s blessings.”
He further said, “The crisis is very big. When the crops are destroyed, not only the crops are destroyed, but the life of the farmer is also ruined. The future of his children is ruined. Still, the farmers should not be unhappy. We will overcome this crisis. I have come with this resolve. I will now inspect the loss.”
He further said, “The crisis is very big. When the crops are destroyed, not only the crops are destroyed, but the life of the farmer is also ruined. The future of his children is ruined. However, the farmers should not be unhappy. We will overcome this crisis and take them forward. I have come with this resolution. I will now inspect the loss.”
Jammu and Kashmir is struggling with the situation after continuous heavy rains. On Wednesday, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said that this year the monsoon has caused widespread damage and promised that the state government would seek adequate assistance from the Center.
Omar Abdullah said after visiting the village Kalaban in Mendhar subdivision, where many families have been affected by the land collapse. He said, “This year’s rains have caused a lot of damage in Jammu and Kashmir … We will use all the financial resources we have to provide relief to the people. We are also in close contact with the central government … We will put a demand for a big package for Jammu and Kashmir in front of them …”
On Monday, about 400 residents of Kalaban village in Poonch district were shifted to temporary shelter sites, as many houses had caused cracks due to continuous rains for several days. The village has been declared insecure and the residents have been advised to leave till the next notice.
With the help of local non-governmental organizations (NGOs), officials are providing relief material and necessary goods to the displaced families. The administration has declared Kalaban as insecure and has directed the residents to leave till the next notice.
On September 13, about 700 people were affected due to heavy rains and about 95 houses were damaged. Officials said that food, drinking water and other basic facilities are being provided to the families living in relief camps. In the recent days, the region received continuous heavy rains, resulting in rivers in spate and many districts of Jammu and Kashmir including Ramban have created flood-like conditions.
