Government unmoved as J&K faces worst water crisis: Waheed-ur-Rehman Para
Anantnag, Jun 30: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader and Pulwama legislator Waheed-ur-Rehman Para on Monday accused the ruling National Conference (NC) government of apathy amid what he called Jammu and Kashmir’s worst water crisis, saying the agriculture and horticulture sectors are bearing the brunt.
“J&K is going through a prolonged dry spell. Water is unavailable, irrigation schemes are defunct, and drought pumps are missing. Agriculture and horticulture are suffering badly, but the government seems least concerned,” Para told media persons during the party workers’ meeting.
He alleged that corruption and nepotism have crippled governance, claiming that 15 posts of chief engineers remain vacant because ministers “don’t get their share” in postings. “They can not make postings or transfers unless money changes hands,” Para alleged.
The PDP leader also criticised the government for failing to fulfill its poll promises. “Despite receiving a huge mandate, not a single promise from their manifesto has been fulfilled. What is the one achievement of this government in the last eight months,” he asked.
Para said even constitutional development funds were not being disbursed and accused the Omar Abdullah-led government of neglecting critical issues. “People were expecting resolution to issues like suffocation, uncertainty, termination of employees, and the plight of prisoners and unemployed youth. But things have only worsened,” he said.
He further accused the government of “normalising the abrogation of J&K’s special status” despite having a majority of 50 seats in the assembly. “Neither the government nor the cabinet is serious about regularising daily wagers, resolving land regularization issues, or addressing other concerns raised in the assembly,”he said.
PDP leader said the Chief Minister only promotes tourism and golf events. It is fine but it should not come at the cost of critical sectors like agriculture and horticulture. “You can’t provide water to farmers and drought pumps are dry. Why are you unable to make decisions? Because money is involved,” he alleged. Parra also accused the NC of hypocrisy, claiming the party sought votes on Article 370 but avoided the topic in the assembly. “Instead, they passed a resolution in the cabinet without debate,” he said, adding that NC did not allow the tabling of the resolution on the Waqf Board Amendment Act.
“What happened to their promises of free electricity, free water, one lakh jobs, and an Employees Guarantee Act? We need to hold them accountable,” Parra said. “They are silent on important issues just to stay in power.”
