Expressing grief and shock over the devastation caused by the river Veshu in Kulgam district, CPI (M) leader and MLA Kulgam Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami has demanded that a team of experts be deputed to recommend a permanent disaster preventive mechanism so that loses of life and property caused by the ferocious tributary are prevented in future.In a statement issued here, Tarigami took an exception to the lackadaisical approach adopted by the ministry of flood control towards finding a permanent solution to devastations caused by tributary Veshu which is a major tributary of river Jhelum in the district and at the times of inclement weather becomes a reason of huge flood damage.
Referring to the devastation caused by this turbulent tributary of Jhelum for the last two days that witnessed collapse of around 10 houses and damages to other properties including cultivatable land in south Kashmir particularly in Kulgam district, Tarigami urged the present dispensation in the state to come out with a comprehensive strategy to prevent the huge losses and miseries caused by this river.There is an immediate need to relocate the habitations near Veshu to some safer place and as a long term measure a team of experts comprising of engineers, ecologists, hydrologists and other specialists with the experience necessary to tackle flooding must be deputed for an in-depth study of this important tributary of river Jhelum” he said and adding that the only way to prevent any major floods in future," Tarigami added.
Expressing serious concern over the tardy response shown by the successive Governments at the Centre and State towards the ever looming threat of floods facing Jammu and Kashmir, the CPI (M) leader called for an immediate intervention from the Prime Minister’s office. “Despite assurances in the parliament and elsewhere no concrete steps have been taken sofar. Now is the time that the governments in Delhi and Srinagar act rather than making hollow slogans” he emphasized.Tarigami also called for immediate compensation to the affected families who have lost their houses and other properties during last few days of incessant rains and gushing runoff from the Veshu. (CNS)