Bandipora, April 6 (KNO): MLA Bandipora, Nizamuddin Bhat, has expressed deep concern over the widespread damage caused by a sudden and intense hailstorm that struck several upper reaches of the district.
The affected areas include Arin, Dardpora, Sumlar, Chuntimulla, Kudara, Shokbaba, Bapora and Surinder villages of Block Arin, along with parts of Banakoot Block in the Bandipora constituency, where the hailstorm caused significant destruction to agricultural fields and horticultural assets.
The MLA, in a statement, issued to news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said that the extent of damage to standing crops, orchards and early-season produce is deeply alarming, especially at a critical stage when fruit-bearing plants are yet to fully set.
“This untimely weather event has dealt a severe blow to the farming community associated with Horticulture and Agriculture sectors, jeopardising their primary source of livelihood and raising serious concerns about their economic stability in the coming months,” he stated.
Highlighting the urgency of the situation, he urged the District Administration to immediately asses the losses and ensure that timely relief and adequate compensation are provided to all affected farmers.
He further urged the authorities to expedite the provision of relief and ensure that adequate compensation is disbursed promptly to the affected families. “At a time when farmers are already facing multiple challenges, any delay in relief measures will only compound their hardships,” he added.
Expressing solidarity with the affected farmers, the MLA assured that he stands firmly with them during this difficult time and will continue to pursue the matter with the concerned authorities to secure timely assistance.
He also highlighted the issue of pending compensation in cases where land belonging to local residents has been utilised for public purposes. He emphasised that such cases must be addressed on priority and that the rightful dues of the affected individuals should be released without further delay.
“The need for compensation becomes even more pressing in the wake of such natural calamities, when people are in urgent need of financial support,” he said.
The MLA underscored the need for a coordinated and responsive approach from all concerned departments to mitigate the impact of the disaster and safeguard the interests of the affected population.
He also called for the exploration of long-term measures to protect farmers from recurring weather-related losses—(KNO)