Ghulam Nabi Azad, senior Congress leader and the leader of opposition in Rajya Sabha, along with state Haj and Auqaf Peerzada Muhammad Sayeed and Srinagar Municipal Corporation Commissioner Dr G N Qasba on Saturday visited several areas in the city and interacted with flood-affected population.According to a statement issued to KNS Azad visited flood-affected areas of Qamarwari, Cement Bridge, Safa Kadal, Palpora, Fruit Mandi and Bye-Pass. He interacted with people, who apprised him of their requirements. Azad assessed the damaged inflicted by the flood and took note of the problems faced by the people due to inundation."There is need to declare Jammu and Kashmir floods as national calamity. I have already asked the centre to declare it as national calamity," said Azad.He assured people of relief. "The government is well-equipped to deal with the situation," said Azad.
Speaking on the occasion, SMC commissioner Dr Qasba assured people of full support of the corporation. "We have decided to have SMC fully functional on Sunday," said Qasba. He said people's concerns are prioritised and action plan is being charted out to mitigate problems faced by the people.He said the SMC men and machinery is in full swing to dewater areas. "There is operational problem that rains are continuing. We can only dewater areas once rains stop," said Qasba. (KNS)