Situation eases in south Kashmir as water levels recede in water bodies
People demand relief, damage assessment
Pulwama: After days of incessant rainfall and flood-like conditions, the situation in south Kashmir has shown signs of improvement as water levels in major rivers and tributaries have started to recede.
Authorities confirmed that all water bodies, including Romshi Nallah, Jhelum and Vaishaw, are flowing below the danger mark on Thursday in south Kashmir easing fears of further inundation.
However, the damage caused during the last three days has left locals anxious and demanding immediate government intervention.
Several residential houses, shops, and public infrastructure have suffered damage, while agriculture and horticulture sectors — the backbone of the region’s economy — have been severely hit.
“We are relieved that water has started to recede, but the destruction it has left behind is massive. Orchards have been submerged, apple crops are ruined, and paddy fields are destroyed. The government must send teams for assessment and announce a compensation package,” said Ghulam Ahmad Dar, a farmer from Anantnag.
In Pulwama, locals complained that the overflow of Romshi Nallah damaged not only agricultural land but also residential structures. “My cowshed has collapsed, and cracks have appeared in the walls of my house. We don’t know how to rebuild without support. The administration should immediately announce relief measures,” said Shabnam Jan, a resident of Kakapora area
Shopkeepers in the affected areas also reported heavy losses. “Most of our stock was damaged as water entered our shops. We had already been struggling with economic hardships, and this flood has added to our misery. Authorities must compensate us at the earliest,” said Irfan Ahmad, a trader from Anantnag
Officials said that a preliminary assessment of damages has begun and teams from the revenue department are visiting affected villages. “We are in the process of compiling reports of losses to infrastructure, houses, and crops. The administration is committed to extending relief to affected families,” a senior official said.
Meanwhile, civil society members and local representatives urged the government to expedite relief measures. “It should not be another case where people wait for months or years for compensation. A timely relief package is necessary to restore people’s faith,” said social activist Zahoor Ahmad.
Although the immediate threat of floods has eased, residents stressed that long-term measures must be taken to prevent recurring crises. “Every time there is heavy rainfall, we are on the edge of another disaster. The government must work on strengthening embankments and restoring natural water channels,” said Abdul Rashid, a resident of Shopian.
People from south Kashmir have demanded urgent intervention of CM Omar Abdullah in this regard.
