Srinagar, Dec 20: Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader Mohamad Yousuf Tarigami on Friday expressed concern over the severe challenges faced by residents during Kashmir’s harsh winters and called on the government to provide seamless facilities to ease their hardships.
Tarigami in a statement said the extreme cold, especially during Chillai Kalan, demands proactive measures to mitigate its impact on the population. “The government should prioritise the installation and maintenance of adequate heating systems in hospitals, healthcare centres, and public spaces like community centres. The health department should issue regular advisories to the public on preventive measures against cold-related illnesses, including proper clothing, diet, and hygiene,” he said.
The CPI(M) leader urged the government to ensure the timely release of wages for daily wagers, casual labourers and other vulnerable groups to provide them with the financial resources needed to cope with winter hardships.
He further said that in the absence of uninterrupted electricity, COPD patients in many areas of the valley are forced to rely on generators, significantly increasing their treatment costs. Tarigami pointed out that prolonged power outages during sub-zero temperatures cause immense hardships for the population. “I urge the authorities to ensure an uninterrupted supply of electricity,” he added.
