Chasoti cloudburst : LoP Sharma provides ground report on devastation to Defence Minister

Jammu, Aug 24: Due to adverse weather conditions preventing Defence Minister Rajnath Singh from visiting Chasoti in person, Leader of Opposition (LoP) Sunil Sharma provided a comprehensive briefing to the Defence Minister via video conference on Saturday evening. The meeting, attended remotely from Raj Bhawan, Jammu, also included Union MoS PMO Dr Jitendra Singh and LG Manoj Sinha.Sharma, who has been actively supervising relief efforts on the ground for over a week, detailed the scale of destruction caused by the recent cloudburst and heavy rains. He said there has been a significant loss of life, destruction of property, and damage to agriculture, horticulture, and livestock in Chasoti and surrounding areas. Sharma, according to a statement issued here, called for immediate infrastructural repairs, including the construction of a motorable Bailey Bridge at Chasoti, to restore connectivity, which is vital for ongoing relief and rescue operations. He highlighted the crucial role played by voluntary organisations such as RSS, Sewa Bharti, and local NGOs working tirelessly alongside government agencies. The LoP raised concerns about the inadequate PMGSY road infrastructure, which is insufficient to accommodate the expected influx of pilgrims for the upcoming Machail Yatra. He called for its widening, installation of crash barriers, and transfer to the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) for strategic development.In addition, the BJP leader demanded urgent measures, including the establishment of an Army Goodwill School at Padder to improve education, sanctioning a petrol pump to facilitate rescue operations, and installation of mobile towers in no-network zones to ensure communication in emergencies. He urged for accelerated disbursal of funds from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) and a comprehensive rehabilitation package to address losses in agriculture and local businesses.Rajnath Singh approved the immediate construction of the Bailey Bridge, directed efforts to improve mobile connectivity, sanctioned the establishment of an Army Goodwill School, and ordered the setting up of a petrol pump at Padder. “The Defence Minister said that no compromise would be made on relief efforts and assured long-term infrastructural support and disaster preparedness for the region,” the statement said.The Defence Minister assured the people of Padder of the government’s unwavering support, both in immediate relief and future development. LoP Sharma expressed gratitude for the swift action and highlighted that strengthening infrastructure for the Machail Yatra and regional development would uplift the local community by ensuring security, livelihood, and dignity.