SRINAGAR: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday urged the Jammu and Kashmir Government to announce a comprehensive rehabilitation package for families affected by the recent flash floods in Thathri, Doda, and called for a long-term disaster mitigation plan for the Chenab Valley.
In a statement issued here, Mufti expressed concern over the damage caused to houses, shops, vehicles and public infrastructure in the flood-hit area. She said the affected families required immediate relief as well as sustained rehabilitation support.
Mufti demanded a scientific assessment of the losses and sought adequate compensation for damaged residential houses, commercial establishments, vehicles, agricultural land and other private property. She also called for financial assistance to traders and small business owners whose livelihoods had been affected.
She urged the administration to expedite the restoration of the National Highway, damaged roads, electricity supply, drinking water facilities and other essential public services in the affected areas.
Expressing concern over the recurring nature of such disasters in the Chenab Valley, the PDP president said the region had repeatedly faced flash floods, landslides and other weather-related calamities, highlighting the need for a permanent disaster management strategy.
Mufti called for a comprehensive disaster resilience plan for the Chenab region, including flood protection infrastructure, river training works, retaining walls, scientific slope stabilisation, improved drainage systems and modern early warning mechanisms in vulnerable areas.
She also appealed to the authorities to ensure transparency in the assessment and distribution of relief so that all affected families receive assistance without delay.
