Omar Abdullah concerned over losses to apple orchards
‘State government must assess the damage and provide compensation to the affected farmers’
Srinagar, 4 November: National Conference vice president and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday expressed concern over the massive damages suffered to Apple Orchards following heavy snowfall across the valley.
In a statement issued from party headquarters, party vice president sought immediate comprehensive compensation for the affected orchardists. “The state government must depute revenue teams to the affected districts and assess the losses so that they are compensated forthwith,” he said.
The Vice President said that it is the duty of present incumbent administration to rescue those who stand affected by the vagaries of climate. “The government should offer succor to the farmers and orchardists as they form the backbone of the state’s economy and have always been suffering on account of weather vagaries,” he said.
Omar Abdullah also impressed upon the incumbent government administration to invoke a contingency plan to mitigate the woes of the people who stand worst affected by the recent snowfall. “The administration should gear up its men and machinery to ensure smooth movement of vehicles on roads. Administration should ensure immediate restoration of power supply in the valley,” he said.
Omar Abdullah maintained that National Conference is awake to the difficulties faced by people which they have to undergo in wake of the recent snowfall. “Governor Administration should remain alive to the difficulties of the people during winters. The poor and have-nots should specifically be taken care of during winter months,” he said.
Meanwhile senior NC leader and former minister Mr. Abdul Rahim Rather has expressed concern over the damage caused to horticulture and agriculture crop due to prevailing hostile weather conditions. Expressing his concern over the massive damages to orchards and the produce, he said, “Apple trees and its produce have faced the brunt of this ill-timed snowfall and have suffered intense damages. People whose sustenance is entirely dependent on orchards need to be compensated well.”
Senior NC leaders, legislators and party functionaries included Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, Chowdhary Mohammad Ramzaan, Mohammad Akbar Lone, Sakina Itoo, G A Shah, Ali Mohammad Dar, Mir Saifullah, Dr Bashir Veeri, Altaf Kaloo, Ab Majeed Bhat, Gh Mohiudin Mir, Showkat Ganaie, Javed Dar, Showkat Mir, Imran Nabi Dar also demanded immediate assessment of the losses suffered in their areas and sought compassionate compensation for the affected.
