Dr. Farooq expresses grief over rain fury, seeks special central relief package

Srinagar, 21 Jul: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President Dr. Farooq Abdullah on Tuesday expressed profound grief over the loss of lives and widespread destruction caused by the recent torrential rains, flash floods and landslides across Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in the Pir Panjal region.

In a statement issued from the party headquarters, Nawa-e-Subha, Dr. Farooq said the unprecedented rainfall has triggered a humanitarian crisis, claiming many lives in Rajouri, Poonch, Doda and other districts, while causing extensive damage to homes, roads, bridges, public infrastructure, agricultural land and livelihoods. Flash floods inundated residential localities and markets, swept away vehicles, and landslides disrupted connectivity, severely affecting rescue and relief operations.

Describing the scale of devastation as enormous, Dr. Farooq said the financial burden of relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction cannot be borne by J&K government alone. He urged GoI to announce a comprehensive and generous special relief package to facilitate the rehabilitation of affected families and the restoration of damaged infrastructure.

Recalling the inadequate assistance extended after previous flood disasters in Jammu, he expressed hope that the Centre would respond more generously this time, commensurate with the magnitude of the present calamity.

Dr. Farooq appreciated Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for his swift and hands-on response to the unfolding crisis. He said the Chief Minister immediately cut short his Delhi engagement to personally supervise relief efforts, remained in constant touch with the administration and local representatives, closely monitored rescue operations, announced ₹6 lakh ex gratia for the families of those who lost their lives, and directed officials to ensure expeditious rescue, relief, rehabilitation and restoration of essential services. He also noted that assessments of damage to homes, crops and other property are underway to facilitate further compensation.

Referring to the extensive waterlogging witnessed across Srinagar during the recent rains, Dr. Farooq said the situation has raised serious concerns over the efficacy of the Smart City Project, which was executed under the erstwhile unelected administration before the elected government assumed office. He called for an independent, impartial technical and financial audit to examine the project’s planning, execution, quality of work and adherence to prescribed engineering standards, saying the people have a right to know whether public funds were utilised efficiently and whether any lapses contributed to the city’s vulnerability to heavy rainfall.

“A thorough inquiry must ascertain whether public funds were utilised efficiently and whether deficiencies in planning or execution contributed to the city’s inability to withstand heavy rainfall. If lapses are found, responsibility must be fixed and corrective measures undertaken without delay,” he said.