Srinagar, Oct 23 : Apni Party President Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Saturday expressed deep concern over the immense losses incurred by the orchardists due to unseasonal heavy snowfall and demanded compensation for the affected.
“The orchardists have to face devastating losses due to this untimely snow. It is not just limited to their yearly produce but even the apple trees have been utterly damaged due to which its repercussions have increased manifold,” he said.
In a statement issued here, Bukhari said the early heavy snowfall has startled the fruit growers across Kashmir division as the apple-picking was still under process at various places.
Bukhari asserted that the Department of Horticulture must initiate prompt assessment drives in all the districts wherever the trees have been damaged and also compensate the fruit growers.
“The government must act speedily to reach out to these orchardists whose hopes have been crushed due to this inclement weather conditions. They must be provided with appropriate compensation besides giving them an extension in loan moratoriums, if any,” Bukhari added.
He further urged the government to bring in comprehensive crop insurance schemes where the produce of the farmers and fruit growers is fully covered in case of such natural calamities.
He urged the government to put in place Snow clearance machines and medical ambulance service in case of emergencies to tackle any situation. “Road connectivity and electricity restoration works should be done on a war-footing basis so that the people will not have to suffer,” he said.
Bukhari also expressed deep grief over the demise of three family members of nomads whose makeshift tent got buried under the soil debris at Noorpora-Tral due to incessant rains.
