Says post-2014 dredging, pumps could’ve avoided flood crisis
Central team to assess flood damage soon
GST cut to 5% on handicrafts benefits artisans
‘Illegal mining will not be tolerated’
Anantnag, Sept 06: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday visited flood-affected areas in Anantnag and Kulgam districts to assess the damage caused by recent heavy rains and to review ongoing relief efforts.
Speaking to reporters, Omar said the administration, in coordination with police and local MLAs, took timely steps to evacuate residents from low-lying areas and provide shelter in emergency camps. “At least we were able to save lives, though there were financial losses, which we will compensate,” he said.
He announced that a special central government team would soon visit Kashmir to assess the extent of damage, including to government buildings, private property, agriculture, and horticulture. “Based on their report, we will ensure maximum possible relief. Our request to the Centre will be to extend full support and ensure proper utilization of funds,” he said.
Addressing long-pending issues stemming from the 2014 floods, Omar Abdullah criticised the lack of sustained action over the past decade. “It’s unclear what has been done after 2014. Authorities must present the record of the last 11 years. What steps were taken to protect flood-affected areas since then? These issues will be raised in the upcoming Assembly session,” he said.
Responding to PDP president Mehbooba Mufti’s suggestion that the Prime Minister’s package sanctioned during her tenure be used for river dredging, Omar retorted: “From January 2015 to mid-2018, they were in power. Let them explain what they delivered. I’ll ask the Centre about what happened after 2018, but PDP must account for its own term.”
He questioned the fate of the cabinet subcommittee formed post-2014 floods, which included Altaf Bukhari, asking why its recommendations were not implemented.
“Had proper dredging been done, flood channel capacity increased, and pumping stations completed, we wouldn’t be facing this situation in Srinagar today,” Omar asserted.
Turning to illegal mining, Omar said that the government will take strict action against violators. “Our Deputy Chief Minister, who himself holds the mining portfolio, has made it clear and given directions that no illegal mining will be tolerated. Wherever illegal mining or illegal crushers are operating, the Deputy Commissioner and the police have been instructed to take the strictest possible action against them,” he said.
On economic measures, Omar said Jammu and Kashmir has gained significantly from the recent GST Council decisions, particularly the handicraft sector. “During the 55th GST Council meeting in Jaisalmer, our artisans were worried that the GST rate on shawls and carpets might be increased. Instead of increasing it, the GST rate on handicrafts was reduced. Now, the GST on handicraft items is only 5 per cent. This has greatly benefited our artisans. Along with that, just as the rest of the country is getting some relief from inflation, the people of Jammu and Kashmir too are gaining from it,” he said.
Taking to the microblogging site X, the Chief Minister’s office said that Omar Abdullah visited the flood-affected areas of Anantnag district and interacted with affected families. “He assured the Government stands by them in these testing times and all possible measures will be taken to help them,” the office tweeted.
Continuing his visit to Kulgam, the office said that the Chief Minister interacted with people impacted by the floods. “He assured them that the Government stands firmly with the affected population and will extend all necessary support. Later, the Chief Minister chaired a review meeting in Kulgam with district officers. He called for the swift restoration of roads and power supply, strengthening of flood protection works, timely disbursement of relief, and close coordination among departments to ensure an effective response. He also emphasised the need to prepare a long-term plan for flood management and the permanent restoration of damaged infrastructure. The Chief Minister was accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, Ministers Sakina Itoo and Javed Ahmad Rana, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Sogami, and MLA Devsar Faroz Peerzada,” the tweet added.
