Tasaduq Rashid
Bijbehara, Apr 22 (KNS): People's Democratic Party (PDP) leader Iltija Mufti Tuesday expressed deep concern over the damage caused to orchards due to recent hailstorms in various parts of Kashmir, especially in Poshkiri, and appealed to the government to immediately send teams for on-ground assessment and compensation.
While speaking to KNS during her visit to the affected areas, Iltija said, “The orchards of our farmers have been badly damaged due to continuous hailstorms over the past five to six days. It is shocking that the government has not yet sent any team to assess the damage. Our farmers are in distress.”
Calling horticulture the backbone of Jammu and Kashmir's economy, she reminded that even during the peak of militancy in the 1990s, it was horticulture that helped sustain the region's economy. “The government must stop making excuses and immediately dispatch officials to evaluate the losses and ensure that financial relief is provided without delay,” she added.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
Iltija also expressed sympathy with the people of Ramban and Banihal, who have been affected by recent flash floods. “I cannot even imagine the amount of stress these families are facing. Due to climate change, our region is witnessing severe weather changes — snow is missing from areas where it should be, and rains and hailstorms are damaging crops and homes unexpectedly,” she said.
On the occasion of Earth Day, Iltija stressed the need to address environmental issues, including the harmful effects of illegal mining in Jammu and Kashmir. “There is very little left to celebrate today. Climate change is showing us its worst side and illegal mining is only adding to the problem,” she remarked. (KNS)