Bandipora, May 23: National Conference leader Dr Zahoor Sofi on Friday sought immediate intervention under disaster management and relief measures for farmers and orchardists affected by the fresh hailstorm that caused widespread damage across several areas of Bandipora district.
In a statement issued to Kashmir Convener, Dr Zahoor expressed serious concern over the severe damage caused by heavy rain and hailstorm that struck various parts of the district on Friday, badly affecting agricultural fields, paddy nurseries and apple orchards.
He urged the administration to immediately assess the losses suffered by farmers and orchardists and bring the affected areas under disaster relief measures so that adequate compensation is provided to the affected families without delay.
According to the statement, Dr Zahoor said the fresh hailstorm had shattered the hopes of growers and cultivators who were already struggling due to recurring weather-related losses. He said extensive damage had been caused to orchards and standing crops, leaving farming families in distress.
He stated that farmers and orchardists form the backbone of the Union Territory’s rural economy and require immediate government support during such natural calamities. He appealed to the government to ensure that compensation and rehabilitation assistance reach the affected growers at the earliest.
The National Conference leader also stressed the need for a comprehensive and long-term relief mechanism for areas repeatedly affected by extreme weather events.
Officials have not yet issued any official estimate regarding the extent of losses caused by the hailstorm in the affected areas of the district.
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