Politicians anguished over damage caused by heavy hailstorm, gusty winds

Srinagar, Apr 19: Several political leaders have expressed anguish over the damage caused by heavy hailstorm and gusty winds. They have demanded necessary compensation to the affected people.

PDP President Mehbooba Mufti posted on X, “ The hailstorm wreaked havoc on fruit orchards across the valley leaving farmers devastated. Horticulture is the backbone of our economy & has consistently supported the region even in the most difficult times. Urge the government to immediately deploy assessment teams to evaluate the extent of the damage & provide all possible assistance to the affected farmers.”

National Conference (NC) Provincial President Showkat Ahmad Mir expressed deep concern over the widespread damage caused by the recent hailstorm which severely impacted orchards and farmlands in several areas of Kashmir districts including Shopian, Kulgam, Anantnag, Ganderbal, Pulwama.

In a statement he said the extreme weather has dealt a significant blow to thousands of orchardists and farmers, many of whom are completely relying on the upcoming harvest season for their livelihood. “The Government and our party are completely standing with the farming community in this difficult time. The loss is not just of produce, but of months of hard work and hope. I am hopeful the administrations of the affected districts will be mobilised and directed to carry out immediate ground assessments of the damages caused and ensure timely compensation is provided. Concerned departments should be directed to prioritise transparent coordination with local representatives and community leaders to expedite the assessment of losses and necessary compensation to affected families,” Mir said.

Meanwhile Party’s State Spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar has also urged the concerned district administrations of Kulgam and Shopian including other south Kashmir districts to assess and damage following heavy hailstorm in the area and then expedite the relief process.

Peoples Conference President Sajad Gani Lone posted on X, “Hailstorm has wreaked havoc in different parts of Kashmir and left behind a trail of devastation and destruction. It has meant massive losses for the horticulture sector. The government should be looking at a package to help the horticulturists sustain and survive this loss.”

Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari has expressed deep concern over the damage to delicate apple blossoms caused by Friday’s hailstorm in various parts of the Valley, especially in Shopian district, where stormy winds and hail created havoc in many apple orchards.

In a statement he has urged the authorities to ensure that agricultural experts provide timely guidance to the affected farmers in order to help mitigate the impact on crop yield. Bukhari said, “I have been informed that intense hailstorms and strong winds have severely damaged the delicate apple blossoms and have uprooted some trees in orchards across various areas of the Valley, especially in Shopian district, where extensive damage to the blossoms has been reported, potentially threatening the upcoming harvest.”

He further said, “I extend my deepest sympathies to all those affected by this harsh weather, and I urge the administration to deploy official teams to the affected areas for a thorough assessment of the damage. It is also imperative that agricultural experts provide timely guidance to farmers to help mitigate the impact on crop yield.”