Excelsior Correspondent
KISHTWAR, Oct 13: Senior National Conference leader and former Minister Sajjad Ahmad Kichloo expressed grave concern over damages caused to cereal crop in several villages of Warwan area of Kishtwar district due to strong wind-storm, followed by heavy rains.
In a statement, Kichloo identified the affected villages as Warwan, Sukhnai, Rikinwaas, Gumri, Margi, Basmeena, Choydraman, Aafti, Quzuz, Mingli, Drayan, Wurvan, Inchaan, Mulwarwan, Bhatta, Daasbal, Sarkund and other areas and also referred to the reports of some injuries caused to several persons during windstorm.
He said that more than a hundred trees are reported to have been uprooted, several residential houses damaged and standing crops destroyed by the windstorm. Kichloo said the damage to the standing crops of paddy and apples has been massive, as many orchards in the area have their trees either uprooted or their branches damaged causing huge loss to crops in process. The paddy has suffered extensive damage, he added.
Kichloo further said that due to the sudden windstorm the people faced several hardships in terms of damage to crops and most of the farmers not in a position to seeds. He also referred to the acute shortage of ration which is the main requirement.
The NC leader urged the District Administration to have the damages assessed and provide free ration of at least six months to the sufferers. He urged the Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar to constitute a special committee to assess the quantum of damages for provision of compensation.
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