MP Haneefa seeks comprehensive flood mitigation plan, special relief package for drought-hit Sodh

LEH: Seeking a comprehensive flood mitigation strategy for Ladakh and a special relief package for the drought-hit Sodh area, Member of Parliament Mohmad Haneefa Jan on Saturday called on Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena and urged the Union Territory administration to expedite relief and restoration measures in areas affected by recent flash floods across Ladakh, particularly in Kargil district.

According to a statement issued by the MP, Haneefa Jan sought immediate restoration of damaged roads, bridges, irrigation canals, drinking water supply schemes, public infrastructure and agricultural land, besides timely relief and compensation for affected families, livestock owners and others who suffered losses in the recent floods.

Emphasising the need for a long-term approach to disaster management, the MP urged the administration to formulate a region-wide flood mitigation plan, including the construction of protection bunds and scientific treatment of major nallas in vulnerable areas such as Shakar Chiktan, Lamayuru, Drass, Suru Valley and other flood-prone locations. He also stressed strengthening disaster preparedness, community awareness and institutional capacity to reduce the impact of future climate-related disasters.

Raising the issue of the prolonged drought in Sodh, Haneefa Jan called for a dedicated relief and development package to address water scarcity, strengthen irrigation infrastructure and safeguard the livelihoods of local residents. According to the statement, Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena assured the MP that he would visit the area during his forthcoming tour to assess the situation firsthand.

The MP welcomed the recent creation of new tehsils in Ladakh while urging the administration to include deserving left-out areas, particularly in Kargil district, in future administrative reorganisation to ensure balanced regional development. He also reiterated his demand for shifting the proposed railway alignment away from the centre of Chuchot village to its upper side, saying the matter had already been taken up with the Union Railway Minister.

The statement said the Lieutenant Governor gave a patient hearing to the issues raised and assured the MP that the concerns would receive due consideration.