Srinagar, Nov 16 (KNS): Farooq Ahmad Khan, newly appointed Advisor to Lt Governor Girish Chander Murmu Saturday said that he has passed instructions to concerned authorities to make the proper assessment of losses to the fruit industry due to the recent heavy snowfall.

Talking to Kashmir News Service (KNS) Khan said as soon he took over, he passed the instructions to Director Horticulture to prepare a detailed assessment of the losses suffered by the fruit growers due to the recent snowfall.

“I am myself a farmer and can understand what the damages to a fruit tree means. But the proper assessment of the damages is important and only after that compensation could be provided to the affected farmers,” he told KNS.

“I want that the affected farmers should be provided compensation as soon as possible. But there is no need to do it (assessment) in haste as it has to be done in a proper manner,” Khan added.

Asked whether the growers will be compensated as per the initial assessment by the Horticulture Department of 35% damages, he said, “I don’t agree with it till a detailed report reaches me. It is the reason that I have asked all the concerned to do a full assessment and then only we can reach to the conclusion.”

On prevailing power crisis in Kashmir, the Advisor said, “I called a meeting of all the chief engineers of Kashmir Valley keeping in view the weather forecast and instructed them to take appropriate steps in alleviating the problems faced by common people due weather vagaries. Our effort is to provide maximum facilities, including power supply, to the people during the winter.” (KNS)