Srinagar,Apr 22 : People’s Democratic Party leader Iltija Mufti on Tuesday voiced strong concern over the extensive damage inflicted on fruit orchards in various parts of Kashmir due to continuous hailstorms over the past week, particularly in Poshkiri.
She called on the administration to dispatch official teams for damage assessment and extend timely compensation to the affected farmers.
During her visit to the affected areas, Iltija expressed shock at the government’s inaction and urged authorities to wake up to the plight of orchardists, whose livelihoods have been devastated.
Our farmers have suffered immensely. The hailstorms have been relentless for nearly a week, yet not a single government team has reached these villages to assess the loss.
This level of apathy is unacceptable,” she told reporters.
Describing horticulture as the “backbone of Jammu and Kashmir’s economy,” Iltija reminded the government of its historical significance.
Even during the height of militancy in the 1990s, it was horticulture that helped keep the economy running.
Today, when the sector needs urgent support, the government cannot afford to turn a blind eye,” she said, demanding swift financial relief for affected orchardists.
Iltija also expressed solidarity with the residents of Ramban and Banihal, who have been grappling with the aftermath of recent flash floods triggered by heavy rainfall.
I cannot begin to fathom the emotional and financial stress these families are enduring.
The frequency and intensity of such natural disasters are worsening due to climate change,” she said.
On the occasion of Earth Day, Iltija linked the worsening weather patterns to broader environmental issues.
She particularly pointed to the damage caused by unchecked illegal mining in Jammu and Kashmir, calling it a grave threat to the region’s ecology.
There is very little left to celebrate today. From erratic weather to natural disasters, climate change is hitting us hard — and illegal mining is only accelerating the damage,” she remarked.
