Ghanta Ghar, in the heart of Srinagar, surrounded by flood water (Press Trust of India)
Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Gulam Nabi Azad yesterday reached out to flood-hit people of south Kashmir and described the situation as "grim and dismal" which has had a debilitating impact on the their lives.
"The situation is grim and dismal which has had a debilitating impact on the lives of people," Mr Azad said while undertaking a day-long survey of flood-ravaged areas of Kulgam and Anantnag yesterday.
Flanked by Tourism Minister Gulam Ahmed Mir and MLA and former Minister G M Saroori, the former state Chief Minister called for a concerted relief and reconstruction effort as he conducted an elaborate tour of flood-affected areas of Bijbhera, Satgar, Urnhal, Gur, Anantnag, Bagi, Wanpoo, Segloo, Ganjipora.
Mr Azad also visited Klrewan, Cherhama, Gund, Tenkipora, Akhran, Zangalpora, Arigotam, Chhanagund.
Deeply anguished at seeing large-scale and unprecedented devastation in the areas, Mr Azad said "there has been very widespread devastation of public infrastructure like roads, bridges, drinking water schemes, etc, power distribution systems, hospitals, schools, and private properties including houses, shops,orchards, crops and livestock".
While taking note of the destruction, Mr Azad called for a concerted, multi-pronged and serious effort on the part of both the Central and state governments to help people revive their lives, adding that the enormity of the challenge is to be gauged properly and that all the government agencies, political parties, civil society and especially youth need to work in tandem to alleviate the hardships of people.
Mr Azad also felt that formulation of a cohesive and effective disaster management strategy cannot be underlined more than in the given situation as people have suffered unmitigated and severe damage.
He added that given the scale and magnitude of this natural calamity, its vicious impact is going to last for quite some time on the lives of people.
Commending the fortitude and patience of people while undergoing an extraordinary situation caused by the worst-ever floods, Mr Azad said that he was impressed to note the spirit of service, compassion and community participation that was markedly visible even during the calamity of this scale.
He assured the people that all possible efforts will be made to galvanise support for mobilising resources to overcome the challenge of relief and reconstruction post flood situation.
Mr Azad also visited three villages in South Kashmir, namely Kilam- Gund, Arigotam and Chhangund, which have been completely wiped out in the fury of flash-floods.
Besides, people also demanded immediate provisioning of tents, temporary shelters, unfettered supply of food material including baby food, restoration of power and drinking water supplies, providing of medical assistance to the needy, etc to overcome the hardships that they have been facing.