Srinagar, Mar 29 (KMW): Minister for Agriculture, Ghulam Nabi Lone Hanjura today informed in the Legislative Assembly that due to the continuous downpour various areas of the district Budgam have been affected by way of land erosion and landslides as the district comprises mainly of Karewa land.
Replying to apprehensions expressed by the Mian Altaf Ahmed about flood threat looming large, due to landslides in Budgam, Hanjura said that District Administration has taken immediate steps to evacuate the affected families where the residential houses were affected or likely to be affected by the land erosion and landslides to avoid any loss of life. He said the families have been lodged in tents provided by the District Administration and in some cases the affected families were shifted to nearby schools and other government buildings.
The Minister said that free ration @ 10 kg (rice) per family has been provided to the affected families besides it has also been ensured that all basis amenities are provided to the affected families. He said District Administration under the supervision of the Deputy Commissioner is taking stock of the situation and taking all the necessary measures to avoid any loss of life and to provide basic amenities to the affected families. He said so far no loss has taken place.
The Minister said that 221 families of Chillan Chotinar, Tilsara, Charar-e-Sharief, Nilnag Nagam, Watkloo, Ladden, Bringan, Nego, Hangoo Suresyar, Kumar Mohalla Nagam, Freswar Khansahib, Shalinar Khansahib, Kristwar Chadoora, Suresyar and Branwar villages evacuated. Out of these 99 families have been provided with tents, 58 families have been shifted to Government buildings and 64 families have shifted to their relatives.
The Minister said the District Administration is monitoring the situation very closely and all possible help is being rendered to the affected families. Moreover, all the vulnerable areas are being monitored so that there is no loss of life and in case of any eventuality; immediate rescue operation shall be undertaken. He said the matter has also been taken up with the Geology and Mining Department so as to obtain expert advice on stabilizing the eroding/sliding land and to provide a permanent lasting solution to the problems.
