Anantnag, Sept 10: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, today conducted an extensive tour of several flood-affected villages in Anantnag to assess the damages caused by the recent heavy rains and flash floods.
According to a statement issued here, the Minister interacted directly with residents, farmers and community representatives, many of whom have been severely impacted by the natural calamity.
During the visit, the Minister inspected multiple affected sites, including damaged orchards, submerged vegetable fields, washed-out rice and maize crops, as well as damaged roads, bunds, bridges, residential houses and government institutions.
The scale of destruction to both agricultural output and public infrastructure has left hundreds of families distressed, with many reporting complete loss of livelihood.
Farmers informed the Minister that standing crops such as vegetables, pulses, rice, and maize have been completely washed away and large swathes of fertile farmland have turned unfit for cultivation due to the flooding. Many also expressed concerns about the future of their seasonal produce and food security for their households.
Expressing deep concern over the extent of the damage, Rana assured the people that the Omar Abdullah-led government stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the affected families in this hour of crisis.
He emphasised that immediate relief, compensation, and rehabilitation measures will be taken up on priority to address the losses suffered by the people.
“The government is fully aware of the suffering caused by this disaster. Agriculture is the soul of our economy, and the livelihood of thousands depends on it. We are committed to extending timely support to all affected families and ensuring that farmers can recover and rebuild as quickly as possible,” said Minister Rana.
He further stated that the restoration of essential services, including drinking water, electricity, road connectivity, and healthcare, is being fast-tracked in coordination with the concerned departments.
He directed the district administration and field officers to conduct immediate assessments of crop and infrastructure damages and ensure that relief reaches the affected households without delay.
