Seeks high-level enquiry into ‘administrative lapses’
Jammu, Sept 09: Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) Chief Tariq Hameed Karra on Tuesday reiterated the demand for a comprehensive relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction package for the Union Territory. He raised concerns over administrative lapses in timely measures to reinforce embankments against erosion, illegal mining activities, and other factors that have contributed to extensive losses.
Karra called for a high-level inquiry, aided by experts, to thoroughly investigate the underlying reasons for the damage.
Accompanied by WP Raman Bhalla, Ch Lal Singh, Chief Spokesperson Ravinder Sharma, and others, the Congress team conducted a tour of Kalibadi, Kathua, Lakhanpur, Samva, Vijaypur, and Ramgarh areas in Samba district. The purpose was to assess the extensive damage caused by recent floods to private property, crops, houses, and public infrastructure.
During the visit, the team observed the partial collapse of the Kalibadi Bridge and the Shamshan Ghat, as well as damage to government buildings. They noted that the lack of timely embankment reinforcement significantly contributed to the extent of destruction. At Lakhanpur, local leaders pointed out that proactive opening of floodgates could have mitigated much of the damage to infrastructure.
Later, Karra visited Ramgarh in Samba district to further assess the losses. Speaking to reporters, he said, “While the calamity is natural and of immense magnitude, the central government has yet to declare it a national disaster, which is essential for proper aid and support.” He criticised the Home Minister’s visit, describing it as casual and inadequate in addressing the scale of destruction.
The J&K Congress chief also dismissed the Rs 209 crore relief package as insufficient, calling it a “cruel joke” on the people of J&K, and reiterated the need for a mega relief package commensurate with the scale of the devastation. He added that the Congress has already demanded a high-level inquiry into the Vaishno Devi tragedy, Chasoti lapses, and other administrative failures that exacerbated the losses.
Karra further condemned Home Minister Amit Shah’s visit to Jammu as superficial and urged the government to take more concrete steps.
The Congress leader also visited several remote villages in Ramgarh sector, including Muthi Zharu near the zero line on the IB border, Varota camp, and other affected areas, to meet residents whose lands and crops have been washed away.
Several local leaders and prominent persons accompanied the team during the tour.
