Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday expressed concern over the widespread devastation caused by the recent flash floods in Thathri area of Doda district.
Describing the calamity as another reminder of the growing vulnerability of the Chenab region to recurring natural disasters, Mufti said that while emergency response is essential, the government cannot continue to treat such incidents as isolated events.
She said the people of Thathri deserve not only immediate relief but also a comprehensive rehabilitation programme backed by adequate financial assistance and long-term preventive measures.
“The affected families have suffered enormous losses to their homes, livelihoods and businesses. It is the responsibility of the government to ensure that relief is not reduced to a mere formality but reaches every affected household in a transparent, time-bound and humane manner,” she said.
Mufti urged the Jammu and Kashmir Government to conduct a scientific assessment of the damage and announce a special rehabilitation package. She demanded adequate compensation for damaged houses, commercial establishments, vehicles, agricultural land and other private property, along with financial assistance for traders and small business owners who have lost their livelihoods.
Expressing concern over the increasing frequency of such disasters across the Chenab Valley, she said the region has repeatedly suffered from flash floods, landslides and other climate-induced events, exposing the absence of a credible disaster mitigation strategy.
She called for a comprehensive disaster resilience plan for the Chenab region, including flood protection infrastructure, river training works, retaining walls, scientific slope stabilisation, improved drainage systems and modern early warning mechanisms.
“The people of Chenab Valley cannot be expected to rebuild their lives after every disaster while the administration continues with ad hoc responses. The time has come for a permanent policy framework that prioritises disaster preparedness, resilient infrastructure and the safety of vulnerable communities,” she said.
Mufti also appealed to the administration to ensure complete transparency in the assessment and distribution of relief so that no affected family is deprived of assistance. She urged party workers and civil society organisations to extend every possible support to the victims during this difficult time.