Jammu: Reiterating the demand for a comprehensive relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction package for Jammu and Kashmir, Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) chief Tariq Hameed Karra on Tuesday called for a high-level expert-led inquiry into alleged administrative lapses that, he said, aggravated the recent flood devastation in the region.
“There are serious concerns about failures in embankment reinforcement, unchecked illegal mining, and other lapses that worsened the destruction. A high-level, independent probe must be conducted to fix accountability,” Karra told reporters.
Accompanied by senior Congress leaders, Karra visited flood-affected areas in Kathua and Samba districts, including Kalibadi, Lakhanpur, Vijaypur and Ramgarh, to assess damages to homes, public infrastructure, crops, and private property. The delegation noted the collapse of part of the Kalibadi Bridge, damage to a cremation ground, government buildings, and widespread erosion, which locals said could have been prevented by timely floodgate action.
Karra said that while the calamity was of “huge magnitude,” the Centre has still not declared it a national disaster — a demand the Congress continues to press. He criticised Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s visit to the region as “casual,” adding that it failed to reflect the extent of damage. “The Rs 209-crore package announced is nothing but a cruel joke on the people of J&K. What is required is a mega relief package proportionate to the scale of losses,” he asserted.
The JKPCC chief recalled that Congress had earlier sought probes into the Vaishno Devi tragedy and Chisoti mismanagement, stressing that an impartial inquiry is again needed to examine administrative negligence behind the latest disaster.
During his tour of remote villages in the Ramgarh sector, including Muthi Zharu near the zero line of the International Border and Varota camp, Karra met families whose land was washed away and crops destroyed, assuring them of Congress’ continued support.
