Kulgam: Minister for Social Welfare, Education, Health and Medical Education Sakeena Itoo on Thursday visited several hailstorm-affected villages in Kulgam district to assess damage to orchards and interact with affected fruit growers.
The Minister toured Harvaith, Nihama, Samnoo, Gopalpora, Lakhdipora, Tengam, Bathipora and Chogalpora, where growers apprised her of losses caused by repeated hailstorms and high-velocity winds.
Officials informed her that preliminary damage assessments had been submitted and village-wise details were being compiled for further action under applicable relief norms. Assuring support to affected farmers, Itoo said the government was committed to protecting the horticulture sector and extending all possible assistance to eligible beneficiaries.
She also highlighted the importance of anti-hail nets and urged growers to avail subsidies being provided under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) and other schemes.
Later, the Minister inaugurated a 30 KVA generator set, a 20-bed inpatient ward and a CBC analyser at the Primary Health Centre, Nehama, aimed at improving healthcare services in the area. She said the government was working to strengthen infrastructure, manpower and diagnostic facilities at health institutions across Jammu and Kashmir.
At Government Degree College, D.H. Pora, Itoo distributed 500 dignity kits among adolescent girls to promote menstrual hygiene awareness and support their health and well-being.
