KL Report
SRINAGAR
A day after artificial lake on river Phuktal burst in Zanskar region, created panic and damaged properties, local students protested against the negligent dealing of the Phuktal artificial lake by National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) experts alleging that the team had not submitted transparent report to the centre.
Amid the protest, a high-level state team comprising of Cabinet Minister for PHE and Irrigation Sukhnandan Kumar, Cabinet Minister for Cooperatives Chering Dorjey, Chairman Legislative Council Haji Anayat Ali and MLA Zanskar Aga Syed Baqir Razvi visited Leh and Kargil.
The team also conducted aerial survey of the areas affected by bursting of Phuktal artificial lake.
“Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed has personally appointed the team of ministers to monitor the situation on the ground and submit a report,” Haji Anayat Ali said.
Due to flash floods, both foot as well as motor-able bridges from Padum to various villages has been cut-off. The visiting team promised the restoration of links on war-footing.
Minister for PHE and Irrigation Sukhnandan Kumar said that his department will take up the matter of all irrigational canals as well as water supply schemes on priority basis damaged due to the Phuktal tragedy.
Earlier Aga Syed Baqir said NDMA had taken inadequate measures to control the outburst. “I will recommend an enquiry into the amount of funds spent for taking inappropriate measures by NDMA,” he said.
Phuktal artificial lake formed due to landslide at Marshun Zanskar busted Thursday morning due to which 3 motor-able bridges, 10 suspension bridges, two school buildings, guest houses, residential houses irrigational canals, pony treks, irrigational lands pastures were badly damaged.