Jammu and Kashmir floods: Omar Abdullah seeks extraordinary package from Centre

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday sought liberal and extraordinary package from the Centre for rehabilitation and reconstruction in flood-affected areas of the state.

Omar raised the issue during a meeting with Union Surface Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, who arrived on Monday to discuss the post-flood measures taken by the state government.

The Chief Minister "sought liberal and extraordinary package from the central government for rehabilitation of flood-affected and reconstruction of damaged infrastructure and private property including residential houses," an official spokesman said after the meeting.

He also sought a special package for traders, the business community, horticulturists, farmers and others affected for payment of compensation for the huge losses incurred due to the floods and torrential rains.Gadkari and Omar discussed the aftermath of devastating floods in the state, which left a trail of death and destruction. "Measures to be intensified and other initiatives required to be taken for reaching out to all the affected families and putting back life on track were discussed in detail in the meeting," the spokesman said.

He said the Chief Minister gave a resume of the efforts of the state government for providing necessary succour to the flood-hit.

Omar also underlined the issue of putting in place measures on a war footing for relief and rehabilitation, besides making health institutions functional, providing ration and other essentials to the people and dewatering of water-logged areas particularly in the Srinagar city.