Jammu, Thursday, September 4: Raman Bhalla, Working President Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) and former Cabinet Minister, today undertook an extensive visit to the flood-affected areas of Jammu, where he interacted with residents and assessed the widespread damage caused by the recent floods. Expressing deep concern over the slow pace of relief and rehabilitation efforts, Bhalla issued a strong appeal to the administration to act swiftly and responsibly in addressing the crisis.<\/p>\n
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Bhalla was accompanied by Amrit Bali, Pawan Bhagat, Gurcharan Singh Happy, and Bitta during his visit to Bhour Kothey, Bhour Camp, and adjoining areas of the Floriculture Garden, including the cremation ground at Bhour Camp, where he directly observed the hardships faced by residents.<\/p>\n
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During his tour, Bhalla observed that even after more than ten days since the floods, malba (mud and debris) continues to choke the internal lanes and homes of several localities. \u201cThe situation remains grim. Residents are struggling to resume normal life as the debris has not been cleared. There is a glaring shortage of machinery and manpower. Authorities must immediately mobilize resources, even if it means diverting heavy machinery from the National Highway and seeking assistance from allied organizations,\u201d Bhalla stated.<\/p>\n
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He further noted that the rising water levels in nallahs posed a continuing risk, demanding urgent preventive measures. Bhalla also highlighted the plight of families unable to perform last rites in their local cremation grounds as many have been rendered unusable due to flooding. \u201cIt is heartbreaking that people are being forced to move to distant villages for cremation. This reflects the government\u2019s lack of preparedness in ensuring basic dignity for the affected families,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
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The Congress leader demanded immediate restoration of road connectivity, deployment of medical teams to low-lying flood-hit areas, and urgent sanitation drives. \u201cSanitation, hygiene, and public health are at severe risk. Without timely medical assistance, there is a looming threat of waterborne diseases,\u201d he cautioned.<\/p>\n
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Bhalla also called for direct distribution of packed food, clothing, and other essentials. \u201cThese are not luxuries but basic necessities that people are being deprived of. The government must ensure that no family goes hungry or without support in such trying times,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
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Targeting the BJP-led government, Bhalla ridiculed Jammu\u2019s \u201csmart city\u201d claims. \u201cIf this is a smart city, then what is a failed one? The floods have exposed hollow claims. Infrastructure has collapsed under pressure, leaving citizens to suffer,\u201d he remarked.<\/p>\n
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Demanding urgent financial aid, Bhalla pressed for compensation not only to affected families but also to farmers whose agricultural lands have been devastated. \u201cAgriculture is the backbone of our region. Farmers are among the worst sufferers in this tragedy and deserve fair and timely compensation,\u201d he asserted.<\/p>\n
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Referring to Union Home Minister Amit Shah\u2019s recent visit, Bhalla expressed disappointment that the flood-hit areas have not been declared a \u201cnational disaster zone.\u201d He questioned the silence of the administration on this crucial matter, stressing that such recognition would pave the way for larger relief packages and institutional support.<\/p>\n
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\u201cThe government must rise above optics and deliver on its responsibilities. The people of Jammu and Kashmir are in pain. They need immediate relief, long-term rehabilitation, and above all, a government that is accountable to them,\u201d Bhalla concluded.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Jammu, Thursday, September 4: Raman Bhalla, Working President Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) and former Cabinet Minister, today undertook an extensive visit to the flood-affected areas of Jammu, where he interacted with residents and assessed the widespread damage caused by the recent floods. Expressing deep concern over the slow pace of relief and […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4492,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[32],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-4493","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-jammu"},"yoast_head":"\n