Srinagar, September 4: Standing knee-deep in floodwaters, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah didn’t mince his words. With worry etched on his face and frustration in his voice, he looked into the eyes of flood-affected residents and admitted a harsh truth — the people of Kashmir have been let down.
“It didn’t have to come to this,” he said, speaking at Shalina near Lasjan, one of the many areas now submerged. “This fear, this damage, the heartache — it’s the price we are paying for 11 years of inaction.”
The Chief Minister made it clear that the devastation triggered by the recent rainfall wasn’t just a natural disaster. It was a man-made failure — a direct result of ignoring vital flood mitigation work after the catastrophic 2014 floods.
“We expected things to be different after 2014,” he continued. “Instead, precious time was wasted. Dredging of the River Jhelum and its flood channels was left incomplete. Had those responsible acted with urgency and commitment, today’s nightmare could have been avoided.”
Families were seen parking their cars on flyovers, abandoning their homes in panic, hoping to salvage what little they could. It’s a scene that should’ve belonged to the past — not 2025. Omar Abdullah vowed it would not repeat.
Promises and Accountability
With a firm resolve, CM Omar announced that a detailed review meeting would soon be held to investigate what exactly was done in the past decade. “We will ask the tough questions. And we will hold people accountable. Our people deserve answers, and more importantly, they deserve action.”
He also assured that new, long-term measures would begin immediately to prevent any recurrence. “This cannot be the new normal — where just two days of rain cause panic. We must build a Kashmir where our people feel safe in their own homes.”
Reality on the Ground
Districts like Kulgam and Anantnag have reported massive losses — crops destroyed, homes damaged, livestock stranded. While the administration managed to protect central Srinagar this time, many surrounding areas like Lasjan were hit hard.
CM Omar personally visited these flood-hit localities by boat, walking through waterlogged lanes, speaking directly to distressed families. He promised immediate rescue, shelter, food, water, and medical aid — but also stressed that long-term rebuilding would follow.
“We’re grateful to Allah that no lives were lost,” he said, his voice both grateful and heavy. “But property has been lost, livelihoods have been shaken. That matters too.”
Call to the Centre
The CM appealed to Union Home Minister Amit Shah to extend the ongoing central damage assessment mission — currently reviewing flood-hit districts in Jammu — to include affected regions in Kashmir. “Anantnag, Kulgam, Srinagar, Budgam, Ganderbal, Baramulla, Bandipora — our people here need the same attention, the same support.”
He emphasized that a relief package from the Centre must be approved without delay. “These people have suffered enough. We cannot expect them to carry this burden alone.”
On Ground Action
He also directed officials to provide clean drinking water, evacuate stranded cattle, and set up temporary shelters with essential supplies. Joined by Deputy CM Surinder Kumar Choudhary and other local leaders, Omar’s message was clear: the people are not alone.
The Chief Minister concluded with a solemn commitment. “The next 11 years will not look like the last 11. We owe that to every mother, father, and child standing in these waters today.”
