Punishment for Disturbing Nature is Disasters: Mehbooba Mufti
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Synopsis
Mehbooba Mufti criticized the ongoing deforestation in J&K, asserting that such actions lead to natural disasters like Ramban. She urged the government to assist those affected by recent calamities and called for the protection of daily wagers and local mining contracts.
Key Takeaways
- Mehbooba Mufti criticizes government actions harming the environment.
- Destruction of nature leads to disasters like Ramban.
- Emergency assistance for stranded individuals is necessary.
- Recent weather events have caused significant agricultural damage.
- Support for local miners and daily wage workers is crucial.
Jammu, April 21 (NationPress) The former Chief Minister of J&K and leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mehbooba Mufti, criticized the government on Monday for the relentless concretization and deforestation in the ecologically sensitive region of J&K, asserting that when we disrupt nature, we invite disasters akin to the one seen in Ramban.
“By upsetting the balance of nature, we are subjected to repercussions such as the Ramban incident. Besides nature's wrath, the rampant destruction of trees and disturbance of the fragile ecological balance are primary contributors to calamities like Ramban,” stated the former Chief Minister while speaking to the media in Jammu.
She lamented the loss of life in Ramban and the displacement of many, with men, women, and children stranded on the national highway as vehicles remain buried under debris.
“I urge the government to clear the debris swiftly. Arrangements for shelter and food must be made for those affected,” she emphasized.
The PDP leader noted that just days ago, gusty winds and a hailstorm struck Jammu, damaging the ‘Basmati’ crop and mangoes.
“In the Valley, hailstorms have also harmed apple and almond buds. The government should deploy teams to evaluate the damage and determine how much aid can be given to the impacted individuals in Jammu and Kashmir. Horticulture is the backbone of J&K’s economy,” she remarked.
She called for affordable pesticides to be provided to the affected farmers, expressing concern over the regularization of daily wagers across various departments.
“We established SRO 520 during our administration to regularize daily wagers. However, following our government’s fall, we couldn't finalize this. Our MLAs recently introduced a bill in the Assembly for the regularization of daily wagers. The L-G had approved its tabling, yet the government obstructed its discussion, citing various excuses,” she stated.
The former Chief Minister mentioned that numerous departments are operational due to the efforts of daily wagers, but many have been enduring hardships for over 25 years.
She also condemned the demolition of properties by the government. “Currently, there’s a push for demolitions. Notices have been served to some residents in Bhatindi, Jammu, and also in the Valley. We demand that individuals living on government land, especially the economically vulnerable, be permitted to remain in their homes,” she said.
Moreover, she alleged that mining contracts designated for locals are facing restrictions. “While it’s understandable to halt illegal mining, preventing the execution of legally allotted mining contracts to favor the mining mafia is unacceptable,” she concluded.
