Authorities on Sunday grappled with the aftermath of untimely heavy snowfall in the Kashmir valley where power supply, apple orchards and road connectivity were badly hit in the past 24 hours. Over 700 stranded passengers were evacuated to safer locations.
According to the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KKCI), preliminary reports received from various fruit associations suggest losses to the tune of ₹500 crore. Early snowfall in November, for the first time in nine years, uprooted apple trees and damaged fruit on Saturday.
“A particular variety of apple, Maharaji, was still hanging from the trees. We have reports of huge losses,” Divisional Commissioner-Kashmir, Baseer Ahmad Khan said.
National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah demanded comprehensive compensation for the affected orchardists. “The government should offer succour to the farmers and orchardists, who form the backbone of the State’s economy,” said Mr. Abdullah.
Demanding compensation, Peoples Democratic Party (PDF) leader and former horticulture minister A.R.Veeri said, “Technical advice of the horticulture experts should be sought to counsel the snow-hit orchardists about the measures required to revive the half-damaged fully grown apple plants.”
Valley in darkness
Governor Satya Pal Malik’s administration was criticised for its failure to restore electricity in all ten districts of Kashmir, home to over 70 lakh population. The Valley, including several hospitals, reeled in darkness through the night. “Electricity will be restored in 90% of the affected areas by Sunday evening,” said the Governor’s advisor, Khursheed Ganai.
Over 700 civilians stranded on the highways at Jawhar Tunnel and at Sonmarg were rescued in the night. The police restored traffic on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway on Sunday to allow stranded vehicles to reach their destinations. However, the Mughal Road and the Srinagar-Leh Road remained closed due to major landslides.