KINS Desk
Jammu, Aug 24 (KINS): Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma on Sunday briefed Defence Minister Rajnath Singh through video conferencing on the ground realities in cloudburst-hit Chasoti village, highlighting the massive loss of life and property, as well as urgent developmental needs of the remote Padder region.
Owing to bad weather, Rajnath Singh could not physically reach Padder. Instead, he connected from Raj Bhavan, Jammu, along with Union MoS PMO Dr. Jitendra Singh and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. Senior officers of the administration also joined the video link, where Sharma gave a detailed ground report on the situation.
Sharma, who has been present at the site for over a week personally supervising relief efforts, apprised the Defence Minister of the scale of damage to agriculture, horticulture, livestock, and infrastructure. He also commended the voluntary work of organizations like the RSS, Sewa Bharti, and local NGOs, who have been working shoulder-to-shoulder with the administration in rescue and relief operations.
Understanding the religious and cultural significance of the annual Machail Yatra, which draws over five lakh pilgrims, Sharma, as per news agency Kashmir Indepth News Service (KINS), stressed that the existing PMGSY road was inadequate. He demanded its widening, installation of crash barriers, and takeover by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) in view of its strategic and cultural importance.
Among his key demands were: Immediate construction of a motorable Bailey Bridge at Chasoti to restore connectivity.
Establishment of an Army Goodwill School in Padder for quality education in the underserved region.
Sanctioning of a petrol pump in Padder to overcome logistical hurdles during emergencies.
Installation of mobile towers in no-network zones to ensure communication in disaster situations.
Expedited release of financial aid from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) and sanction of a comprehensive rehabilitation package covering agriculture, horticulture, livestock, and businesses.
After listening to the detailed briefing, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh gave on-the-spot approval for several measures. These included construction of the Bailey Bridge at Chasoti, sanctioning of an Army Goodwill School, a petrol pump at Padder, and directions to immediately improve mobile connectivity.
Rajnath Singh emphasized that relief measures must be swift and uncompromising. “Every affected family must feel the support of the Government in this difficult time. The Centre will not only provide immediate relief but also ensure long-term infrastructural development and disaster preparedness in Padder,” he assured.
Expressing gratitude for the swift response, Sunil Sharma said, “The Defence Minister’s compassionate approach and immediate approvals have given new hope to the people of Padder. Strengthening Machail Yatra infrastructure and overall development will secure livelihoods and dignity for this region.”(KINS)
