Jammu: The Congress on Thursday demanded the Centre declare the recent floods in Jammu and Kashmir a “national disaster” and announce a special relief and rehabilitation package for the affected population, particularly in the worst-hit districts of Poonch, Rajouri and Ramban.
At least 26 people were killed and six others went missing as torrential rains triggered landslides and flash floods across the twin border districts of Poonch and Rajouri since Sunday, causing widespread damage to public and private infrastructure, including roads and houses.
We demand a special relief and rehabilitation package for the flood-affected people of Jammu and Kashmir, especially those affected by the devastation and loss of lives in Poonch and Rajouri, Pradesh Congress working president Raman Bhalla and chief spokesperson Ravinder Sharma said while speaking to reporters here.
They also sought enhancement of the compensation for victims, saying the existing relief of Rs 6 lakh for loss of life and around Rs 1.30 lakh for a fully damaged house was inadequate in view of the scale of destruction.
Bhalla said the recent flash floods and heavy rains caused extensive damage to life, property and public infrastructure, warranting immediate intervention by the Centre.
The Congress leader said Surankote and Mandi areas in Poonch district witnessed the worst of the devastation, with over 30 people reported dead or missing in the district, while five persons were reported dead or missing in Rajouri.
He claimed hundreds of houses, vehicles, shops, flour mills, traditional water mills, roads, bridges, government buildings and power and water infrastructure had suffered extensive damage.
Bhalla said Rajouri and Poonch remained without adequate water and power supply for more than five days since the rain havoc, due to widespread damage to infrastructure.
While appreciating the efforts of the district administrations in rescue and relief operations, he said the affected districts require substantial financial assistance for rehabilitation and reconstruction.
The Congress leader urged the Centre to announce a special package for reconstruction of damaged infrastructure and compensation for private losses. It also demanded at least six months of free ration for families affected by the floods.
Bhalla urged BJP MPs and MLAs from Jammu and Kashmir to press the Centre for immediate financial assistance, further alleging that the damage caused by last year’s floods in the Jammu region had not been adequately addressed.
The Congress leaders also demanded that the completed Sungal tunnel at Kalidhar be opened immediately for public traffic, alleging that it was closed despite being ready for use, and even ambulances were not being allowed through it.
The party sought restoration of water and electricity supply in Rajouri and Poonch on war footing and called for an investigation into the construction of a bus stand near the vulnerable Rajouri river, alleging it had contributed to heavy losses.
Expressing concern over Amarnath pilgrims stranded in Jammu due to the closure of the Jammu-Srinagar national highway, the Congress demanded adequate shelter and relief camps, evacuation of people living in vulnerable areas, and special trains for stranded passengers and pilgrims.
PTI