Former Minister expresses profound grief over loss of lives; urges immediate compensation, time-bound rehabilitation, restoration of essential services and climate-resilient infrastructure for the Pir Panjal region
JAMMU, July 20:Former Cabinet Minister and BJP J&K Vice President Chowdhary Zulfkar Ali on Sunday expressed profound grief over the devastating cloudbursts and flash floods that have caused widespread destruction across Rajouri and Poonch districts, describing the disaster as one of the worst natural calamities to hit the Pir Panjal region in recent years.
Expressing deep sorrow over the loss of precious human lives, Chowdhary Zulfkar Ali extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for eternal peace for the departed souls. He also wished a speedy recovery to those injured and assured every affected family of his solidarity during this difficult time.
He said the incessant heavy rainfall, cloudbursts and flash floods have caused extensive damage to roads, bridges, power infrastructure, drinking water supply schemes, irrigation canals, agricultural land, horticulture crops, livestock and residential houses, severely disrupting normal life in several parts of the twin border districts. He noted that damaged road connectivity has left many villages cut off, posing serious challenges to rescue and relief operations.
Calling for an immediate and time-bound relief and rehabilitation programme, Chowdhary Zulfkar Ali urged the Jammu and Kashmir Administration, district authorities, Disaster Management Authority, Army, Police, SDRF, NDRF and other agencies to work in close coordination to ensure that every affected family receives prompt assistance. He stressed that rescue operations must continue uninterrupted until all vulnerable areas are secured.
The senior BJP leader demanded immediate ex-gratia relief for the families of those who lost their lives and adequate compensation for damaged houses, shops, livestock, agricultural land, horticulture crops and other properties. He said the restoration of road connectivity, electricity, drinking water supply, healthcare services and communication networks should be treated as the highest priority to minimise the hardships faced by the affected population.
He further called for a comprehensive damage assessment through special survey teams to ensure transparent, fair and timely compensation without unnecessary procedural delays. Relief measures, he said, must reach genuine victims at the earliest.
Expressing concern over the increasing frequency of extreme weather events in the hilly districts of Jammu and Kashmir, Chowdhary Zulfkar Ali emphasised the need for long-term disaster preparedness and climate-resilient infrastructure in the Pir Panjal region. He advocated scientific planning, improved drainage systems, slope stabilisation, robust early warning mechanisms, protection of riverbanks and vulnerable habitations, and the creation of permanent disaster response infrastructure to reduce the impact of future disasters.
He also appealed to social organisations, NGOs, youth groups and volunteers to actively support the relief efforts and stand shoulder to shoulder with the affected families.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with every affected family in Rajouri and Poonch. We stand united with the victims in this hour of tragedy and hope the administration will ensure swift rescue, effective rehabilitation and comprehensive support to help the affected families rebuild their lives with dignity,” Chowdhary Zulfkar Ali said.
