Srinagar, Jan 31 (KNS): Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) state secretary and former MLA Shopian Adv. Mohd Yousuf Bhat has expressed anguish over the failure of the government, to provide relief to the orchardists who standing crops were damaged due to the untimely snowfall in the month of the November, which has resulted in huge horticulture losses worth crores of rupees.
Terming the delay in providing compensation to the affected orchardists as futile, Bhat said, horticulture being the backbone of economy of the state has suffered a severe dent because of the untimely snowfall and fruit growers are suffering since then as government has failed to provide them any relief either through SDRF or special relief package as promised by the governor.
Bhat said, Advisor had visited orchards of south Kashmir and teams were constituted to assess the losses but till date nothing has happened and the orchardists are left at the mercy of God. “This delay is affecting the orchardists badly, I urge the Governor administration that relief sought by the affected orchardists may be granted to them as soon as possible and their KCC loans be waived off, in view of the quantum of the losses they have suffered. (KNS)