KULGAM: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo, today visited the hailstorm-affected villages of Kulgam district to assess the extent of damage and review ongoing response measures on the ground.
During the visit, the Minister conducted an on-spot appraisal of losses to agricultural crops, horticulture orchards, residential structures, and public infrastructure in various villages like D.H Pora, Nihama, Manzgam, Bathipora, Ladgoo Rambhama, Pombay and other areas.
Interacting directly with affected families, farmers, and local representatives, she assured them that the Government stands firmly with the people during this difficult time and that timely assistance will be ensured.
“District Administration has been asked to conduct a detailed assessment of losses accurately, facilitate timely relief under existing government norms and extend all possible assistance to affected orchardists and farmers without delay”, Sakeena assured the affected farmers.
The Minister stated that the Government is committed to providing immediate relief as well as long-term support to mitigate the impact of natural calamities on farmers and rural livelihoods.
“Our government completely stands with the farming community in this difficult time. We will ensure all losses are compensated fairly,” she stated.
The Minister also instructed the accompanying officers of various stakeholder departments to deploy field teams for rapid surveys and ensure that eligible beneficiaries receive compensation strictly as per government norms. “Loss reports must be compiled transparently and submitted within a fixed timeframe to facilitate swift assistance for affected families”, she maintained.
The Minister also directed the stakeholder departments to keep officers and officials on the ground and maintain close liaison with local representatives and ensure prompt relief measures across all affected villages
While interacting with the Minister, the locals appreciated the Minister’s visit and expressed hope that timely intervention by the Government would ensure swift and timely assistance to recover from the losses incurred by this devastating hailstorm.
Senior officers of district administration, including SDM Noorabad, Chief Agriculture Officer, Chief Horticulture Officer, other concerned officers and a large number of locals also accompanied the Minister during the visit.
