Sadhotra Seeks Safety Audit, Rehabilitation for Families Hit by Land Sinking in Udhampur

SRINAGAR: National Conference Additional General Secretary and former minister Ajay Kumar Sadhotra has called for a comprehensive safety audit and a holistic survey of land sinking areas across Jammu and Kashmir, following alarming damage to residential houses and infrastructure caused by torrential rains and flash floods.

During a visit to the village Sundla in Block Khoon, Tehsil Majalta of Udhampur district, where more than 30 houses have been completely submerged due to the sinking of land, Sadhotra interacted with affected families and victims housed in a relief camp organised by the local administration. While appreciating the efforts of the authorities, he expressed anguish over the scale of destruction and the distress faced by families who have been left without homes, belongings, or basic essentials.

“These calamities, triggered by cloudbursts and incessant rains, have created a situation where human lives cannot be left to live under a constant looming threat,” Sadhotra said. He urged the government to provide urgent financial assistance and adequate support for the reconstruction of dwelling units before the onset of winter. He added that merely shifting families temporarily will not address the larger humanitarian crisis.

Sadhotra said he will take up the matter with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for allotting five marlas of land to every family that has lost their home due to sinking or erosion in different parts of the Jammu region. He emphasised that restoring shelter is not just about providing a roof, but about ensuring dignity, security, and normalcy for the victims.

Highlighting the plight of families living in torn tents amid continuous rains, including children and the elderly exposed to harsh conditions, the NC leader stressed the need for a well-devised policy framework to compensate for losses, rebuild houses, and ensure permanent rehabilitation.

“Natural disasters do not just destroy infrastructure; they devastate lives and dreams. It is our collective responsibility as a society and a government to stand shoulder to shoulder with the victims until they are fully rehabilitated,” he said.

Calling for long-term planning and disaster preparedness, Sadhotra underscored the need for proactive measures by disaster management agencies to identify vulnerable zones and prevent recurrence of such tragedies. He assured the victims of his continued support in raising their issues at every platform, reiterating the National Conference’s commitment to the welfare of the common people and marginalised sections, worst affected by natural calamities.