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Scroll.in
5 days ago
- Climate
- Scroll.in
Jammu & Kashmir: Ramban downpour devastation was made worse by construction
On April 19, Bashir Ahmad, a resident of Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag district, was carrying a load of 600 apple boxes in his truck when he left from Shopian district. While on his way, heavy rainfall began to lash the region, forcing the closure of roads. Bashir parked his truck near Ramban town, hoping to resume his journey once the weather cleared. However, on the intervening night of April 19 and 20, landslides triggered by incessant rains struck the region. 'My fellow driver and I were sleeping in the truck when we heard a loud rumbling noise – landslides and stones crashing down from the mountains,' he said. 'We immediately ran to a safer place.' When daylight broke the next morning, Bashir was distraught to find his truck buried under debris. 'The truck along with the apples was completely damaged,' he said. The truck, valued at around Rs 20 lakh, was carrying apples worth Rs 5 lakh scheduled for delivery in Delhi. Bashir's story is just one among hundreds affected by the massive natural calamity that struck the hilly district of Ramban. On April 19 and 20, heavy rainfall, hailstorms, and cloudbursts triggered flash floods that wreaked havoc across the district, particularly affecting the Ramban town and its surrounding villages. The flash floods caused widespread destruction, particularly to a 10 kilometre stretch of the vital Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, cutting off traffic movement for days. According to the India Meteorological Department, Ramban district received over 117 millimetres of rainfall between April 19 and the morning of April 21, with the heaviest downpour recorded during the intervening night of April 19-20. Widespread destruction Brijesh Kumar, a resident of Ramban, vividly recalled the terrifying night. 'It felt like there was a massive explosion around 3 am during the intervening night of April 19-20,' he said. 'Mud and rocks came crashing down from the mountains, blocking the highway and burying dozens of vehicles. Hundreds of homes were damaged, and many were completely washed away.' Another local, Ravi Kumar, spoke of his personal tragedy. 'Both my shops were swept away by the flash floods,' he said. 'I lost my entire livelihood in just one night.' The devastation left residents in shock, struggling to comprehend the scale of destruction. Ramban legislator Arjun Singh told Mongabay India that 80% of the town had been affected. 'We have never seen such devastation in our lives,' he added. 'Many villages were left without electricity or mobile connectivity for days. Several areas remained inaccessible due to debris and damaged roads.' Preliminary figures of the government reveal the staggering scale of the damage. Three people died and nearly 10,000 livestock – including sheep, goats, and cattle – were killed. At least 109 residential homes were completely destroyed, while 227 others suffered partial damage. A total of 67 commercial structures, including shops, business establishments, and hotels, were fully damaged, and 78 others sustained partial damage. The floods also destroyed 96 private vehicles and 126 commercial vehicles. Additionally, over 3,000 vehicles were stranded along the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway for several days due to landslides and avalanches. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah visited the areas and assured proper rehabilitation and compensation to victims. Director of the Meteorological Department Kashmir, Mukhtar Ahmad, said that they had issued an advisory warning of a western disturbance impacting Jammu and Kashmir from April 18. 'We had already advised that inclement weather could lead to a rise in water levels in rivers, streams, and nallahs – and unfortunately, that is what happened,' he said. According to a Jammu & Kashmir State Disaster Management Authority report, the Union Territory has long been vulnerable to both natural and human-induced disasters due to its peculiar topography, rugged terrain, extreme weather conditions, and underdeveloped infrastructure. 'Hazards such as earthquakes, flash floods, fires, droughts, avalanches, and landslides frequently result in the loss of human lives and extensive damage to public and private property,' the report says. Construction, human activity Experts believe that the scale of the recent disaster was worsened by human activities, particularly unplanned construction and infrastructure development. Yudhbir Singh, a geologist at the University of Jammu, pointed to a combination of natural and human-induced factors behind the devastation. 'It was undoubtedly a natural calamity, but the magnitude of the damage was amplified by human interference,' he said. 'We have witnessed a tremendous surge in construction activities, including road development and private infrastructure projects.' He explained that many natural water channels in the region have been blocked by construction. 'When rainfall occurs and these channels are blocked, there is no path for the water to flow,' he told Mongabay India. 'As a result, water levels rise uncontrollably, flooding villages and triggering flash floods. There are several places where buildings have been raised directly on old water channels, blocking the natural drainage paths.' He further stressed the urgent need for comprehensive planning, including the construction of concrete embankments along rivers and the proper diversion of floodwaters. 'Without proper flood channel management, we are inviting future disasters,' he said, pointing out that the construction of the four-lane highway had further increased vulnerabilities. 'At several places, debris from mountain excavation was simply dumped to construct roads over it. These makeshift foundations are prone to collapse during heavy rains, triggering landslides.' Citing an example, he noted that in one area where a landslide had occurred years ago, people built houses over the unstable land, resulting in a land-sinking incident last year. 'Blasting and drilling during construction have also weakened the soil in several areas,' he added. Another geologist, SK Pandita of Jammu University, said that while the construction of tunnels on the highway was largely carried out using drilling and boring, with minimal use of blasting, the problem lay elsewhere. 'Massive damage occurred due to the construction of hotels, houses, and shops without proper planning,' Pandita said. 'When we block natural drainage systems, where will the water go during rainfall? The water naturally overflows into settlements.' He added that while the recent disaster was triggered by rainfall and a cloudburst, the lack of proper drainage infrastructure turned what could have been a manageable event into a catastrophe. Mohammad Rafi, a researcher, said the recent tragedy in Ramban serves as a wake-up call for the region. 'While natural factors like heavy rainfall and cloudbursts are inevitable, proper urban planning, strict regulations on construction, preservation of natural drainage systems, and scientific road development are crucial to minimising the impact of such disasters,' he said. He also pointed out that there are many hydro power projects in the area. 'If there are flash floods, the dams could also burst at any time,' he added. 'We need proper planning to meet any eventuality in the future.'
India.com
19-05-2025
- Business
- India.com
Amid Boycott Of Turkish Goods, A Boost For Kashmirs Apple Economy On Cards
The recent calls to boycott Turkish products in India have ignited hope among apple growers in Kashmir, who have long struggled against an influx of cheap apple imports from Turkey and Iran. Kashmir's horticulture industry, particularly its apple farmers, has warmly welcomed the decision to restrict Turkish produce in India. They anticipate that the boycott, which includes Turkish apples, will lead to better prices for Kashmiri apples across the country. India's decision to boycott Turkey stems from Turkey's support for Pakistan following a terror attack in Kashmir and India's military response, Operation Sindoor. As a sign of protest, consumers across India are now opting not to purchase Turkish products, including apples. This shift has given Kashmiri apple traders optimism, as they believe their apples will see a 10-15% price advantage, becoming the preferred choice for Indian consumers. Bashir Ahmad, President of the Kashmir Fruit Association, stated, "Cheap Turkish apples significantly impacted our produce, driving down rates, especially compared to US apples. This caused substantial losses to our industry. If the Indian trade body decides to boycott them, it will greatly benefit our horticulture sector, and we expect good prices. Turkish apples resembled ours, and people favoured them as a foreign product, similar to Iranian apples. If Turkish apples are out of the market, our apples will sell." For the past five years, farmers in Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh have faced challenges due to inexpensive apple imports from Turkey and Iran. Last year, 23% of India's apple imports originated from Turkey. This made it difficult for Kashmiri farmers to secure fair prices, as imported apples were cheaper and had created a demand for foreign produce. However, the boycott of Turkish apples presents a renewed sense of hope for Kashmiri apple traders. Shakir, an apple trader, remarked, "This will greatly benefit us. People here prefer imported apples, but once that stops, they will buy Kashmiri apples. Our rates will increase. We are happy; our apples will move forward." Kashmir alone produces 22 lakh metric tons of apples, while Himachal Pradesh contributes 6 lakh metric tons. Kashmir, being the largest apple producer, contributes 15% to Jammu and Kashmir's GDP growth. Despite the significant losses faced by farmers in these states due to cheap imports in recent years, farmers now believe that this boycott will not only support them but also strengthen the economy of Jammu and Kashmir. Rashid Rahil, a horticulture expert, commented, "The Government of India's decision to ban Turkish products will not only boost 'Make in India' products but also benefit the valley's fruit growers. At least 7-8 lakh apple producers will gain from this." In recent days, fruit markets in Delhi, Mumbai, Lucknow, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and many other cities have ceased selling Turkish apples. Buyers are now specifically requesting Indian Apples, offering farmers hope for improved prices this year. More than 7 lakh families in Kashmir and 2 lakh in Himachal Pradesh depend on apple farming for their livelihood. This industry not only supports apple traders but also provides jobs to lakhs of people involved in transport, cold storage, packaging, and labor. Bashir Ahmad reiterated, "100% of people in Kashmir are directly or indirectly dependent on this industry, and around 7 lakh families are linked to this trade. It contributes 15% to our GDP, and we also provide jobs to lakhs of people directly or indirectly. It is the backbone of our economy." Experts predict that if Kashmiri apples sell better this year, it could generate thousands of crores in additional income for farmers and related businesses, providing a tremendous boost to Kashmir's economy.
AsiaOne
10-05-2025
- Politics
- AsiaOne
Residents stockpile food, rush to bunkers as conflict rattles India and Pakistan, Asia News
LAHORE/MUZAFARRABAD, Pakistan/AMRITSAR, India — Residents across Pakistan and India rushed to stockpile foods and other essential supplies, while families living near the border fled to safer areas, as armed clashes between the nuclear-armed nations escalated on Friday (May 9). India and Pakistan accused each other of launching new military attacks, using drones and artillery for the third day, in the worst fighting between the two countries in nearly three decades. The conflict erupted after India struck multiple locations in Pakistan on Wednesday that it said were "terrorist camps", in retaliation for a deadly attack on Hindu tourists in Indian Kashmir last month. In the Indian state of Punjab, Amanpreet Dhillon, 26, said many families in his village — just 13 km from the border with Pakistan — have already sent women and children to safer areas. "I am also contemplating it... I'm afraid my village could be next," he said. In Indian-administered Kashmir's Uri district, residents said many fled overnight after several houses were struck by shelling, some taking shelter behind rocks or in bunkers. "We have never seen such intense shelling in our life. The majority of the people fled the town and other villages as soon as shelling started last night with some taking shelter in underground bunkers," said Bashir Ahmad, 45, in the town of Baramulla in Uri. "It was a nightmare for us." In the Pakistani city of Lahore, which lies near the border, residents were shaken on Thursday by drones that Pakistan said were launched by India and were shot down in the city, setting off sirens and leading the US consulate to tell its staff to shelter in place. Schools were closed on Friday and residents and shopkeepers said Lahoris were stocking up on food, gas cylinders for cooking and medicine, prompting authorities to issue a notice warning businesses not to artificially increase prices. "I have stocked grocery for a month: We got meat, flour, tea, oil lentils etc and also drew extra cash from bank," said Aroosha Rameez, 34, a Lahore resident. Muhammad Asif, 35, said his pharmacy had seen an influx of customers. "People in Lahore have started stocking medicines as well, which may lead to shortages of paracetamol, anti-allergies, antibiotics, blood pressure and diabetes medicines," he said. Food delivery app FoodPanda, popular in Pakistan, said it had seen a surge in grocery orders nationwide. [[nid:717859]] Across the border, India's Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution minister warned against panic buying of food grains. "We currently have stocks many times higher than the normal requirement-whether it is rice, wheat, or is absolutely no shortage," he said. Pankaj Seth, a resident of Amritsar in India's Punjab state, said people felt they had no choice: "We do not know if the markets will open tomorrow or not...I have children and grandchildren at home so I have to stock up." Some residents of border regions were also requesting relatives to bring them supplies as prices rose. "My aunt lives in Attari and has asked me to get some flour for her as supplies are getting expensive there," said Navneet Kaur, a nurse in Amritsar, 30 kilometres away, who was travelling to the town with a sack of flour. Fleeing at night Residents of Kashmir near the line of control that divides the region faced a more stark and immediate threat. Residents said they were starting to leave their villages and spend the nights, when shelling and firing roars through the valleys, in bunkers. The prime minister's office in Pakistan-administered Kashmir said over 400 people had been evacuated by authorities in two areas near the line of control. "Ever since the attack (Indian strike) in Muzaffarabad, we have been living in our bunker, which we carved into a nearby rocky mountain," said Manzoor Ahmed, 43, a resident of Jura Bandi village in the Neelum Valley, where local police confirmed most people were spending the night in bunkers. ALSO READ: Pakistan says it has launched military offensive against India
Observer
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Observer
Residents stockpile food as conflict rattles India and Pakistan
Residents across Pakistan and India rushed to stockpile foods and other essential supplies, while families living near the border fled to safer areas, as armed clashes between the nuclear-armed nations escalated on Friday. India and Pakistan accused each other of launching new military attacks, using drones and artillery for the third day, in the worst fighting between the two countries in nearly three decades. The conflict erupted after India struck multiple locations in Pakistan on Wednesday that it said were "terrorist camps", in retaliation for a deadly attack on Hindu tourists in Indian Kashmir last month. In the Indian state of Punjab, Amanpreet Dhillon, 26, said many families in his village — just 13 km (8.08 miles) from the border with Pakistan — have already sent women and children to safer areas. "I am also contemplating it... I'm afraid my village could be next," he said. In Indian-administered Kashmir's Uri district, residents said many fled overnight after several houses were struck by shelling, some taking shelter behind rocks or in bunkers. "We have never seen such intense shelling in our life. The majority of the people fled the town and other villages as soon as shelling started last night with some taking shelter in underground bunkers," said Bashir Ahmad, 45, in the town of Baramulla in Uri. "It was a nightmare for us." In the Pakistani city of Lahore, which lies near the border, residents were shaken on Thursday by drones that Pakistan said were launched by India and were shot down in the city, setting off sirens and leading the US consulate to tell its staff to shelter in place. Schools were closed on Friday and residents and shopkeepers said Lahoris were stocking up on food, gas cylinders for cooking and medicine, prompting authorities to issue a notice warning businesses not to artificially increase prices. "I have stocked grocery for a month: we got meat, flour, tea, oil lentils etc and also drew extra cash from bank," said Aroosha Rameez, 34, a Lahore resident. Muhammad Asif, 35, said his pharmacy had seen an influx of customers. "People in Lahore have started stocking medicines as well, which may lead to shortages of paracetamol, anti-allergies, antibiotics, blood pressure and diabetes medicines," he said. Food delivery app FoodPanda, popular in Pakistan, said it had seen a surge in grocery orders nationwide. Across the border, India's Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution minister warned against panic buying of food grains. "We currently have stocks many times higher than the normal requirement-whether it is rice, wheat, or pulses... There is absolutely no shortage," he said. Pankaj Seth, a resident of Amritsar in India's Punjab state, said people felt they had no choice: "We do not know if the markets will open tomorrow or not... I have children and grandchildren at home so I have to stock up." Some residents of border regions were also requesting relatives to bring them supplies as prices rose. "My aunt lives in Attari and has asked me to get some flour for her as supplies are getting expensive there," said Navneet Kaur, a nurse in Amritsar, 30 kilometres (19 miles) away, who was travelling to the town with a sack of flour. Residents of Kashmir near the line of control that divides the region faced a more stark and immediate threat. Residents said they were starting to leave their villages and spend the nights, when shelling and firing roars through the valleys, in bunkers. The prime minister's office in Pakistan-administered Kashmir said over 400 people had been evacuated by authorities in two areas near the line of control. "Ever since the attack (Indian strike) in Muzaffarabad, we have been living in our bunker, which we carved into a nearby rocky mountain," said Manzoor Ahmed, 43, a resident of Jura Bandi village in the Neelum Valley, where local police confirmed most people were spending the night in bunkers. — Reuters
New Straits Times
09-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Residents stockpile food, rush to bunkers as conflict rattles India and Pakistan
RESIDENTS across Pakistan and India rushed to stockpile foods and other essential supplies, while families living near the border fled to safer areas, as armed clashes between the nuclear-armed nations escalated on Friday. India and Pakistan accused each other of launching new military attacks, using drones and artillery for the third day, in the worst fighting between the two countries in nearly three decades. The conflict erupted after India struck multiple locations in Pakistan on Wednesday that it said were "terrorist camps", in retaliation for a deadly attack on Hindu tourists in Indian Kashmir last month. In the Indian state of Punjab, Amanpreet Dhillon, 26, said many families in his village — just 13 km (8.08 miles) from the border with Pakistan — have already sent women and children to safer areas. "I am also contemplating it... I'm afraid my village could be next," he said. In Indian-administered Kashmir's Uri district, residents said many fled overnight after several houses were struck by shelling, some taking shelter behind rocks or in bunkers. "We have never seen such intense shelling in our life. The majority of the people fled the town and other villages as soon as shelling started last night with some taking shelter in underground bunkers," said Bashir Ahmad, 45, in the town of Baramulla in Uri. "It was a nightmare for us." In the Pakistani city of Lahore, which lies near the border, residents were shaken on Thursday by drones that Pakistan said were launched by India and were shot down in the city, setting off sirens and leading the US consulate to tell its staff to shelter in place. Schools were closed on Friday and residents and shopkeepers said Lahoris were stocking up on food, gas cylinders for cooking and medicine, prompting authorities to issue a notice warning businesses not to artificially increase prices. "I have stocked grocery for a month: we got meat, flour, tea, oil lentils etc and also drew extra cash from bank," said Aroosha Rameez, 34, a Lahore resident. Muhammad Asif, 35, said his pharmacy had seen an influx of customers. "People in Lahore have started stocking medicines as well, which may lead to shortages of paracetamol, anti-allergies, antibiotics, blood pressure and diabetes medicines," he said. Food delivery app FoodPanda, popular in Pakistan, said it had seen a surge in grocery orders nationwide. Across the border, India's Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution minister warned against panic buying of food grains. "We currently have stocks many times higher than the normal requirement — whether it is rice, wheat, or is absolutely no shortage," he said. Pankaj Seth, a resident of Amritsar in India's Punjab state, said people felt they had no choice: "We do not know if the markets will open tomorrow or not...I have children and grandchildren at home so I have to stock up." Some residents of border regions were also requesting relatives to bring them supplies as prices rose. "My aunt lives in Attari and has asked me to get some flour for her as supplies are getting expensive there," said Navneet Kaur, a nurse in Amritsar, 30 kilometres (19 miles) away, who was travelling to the town with a sack of flour. Residents of Kashmir near the line of control that divides the region faced a more stark and immediate threat. Residents said they were starting to leave their villages and spend the nights, when shelling and firing roars through the valleys, in bunkers. The prime minister's office in Pakistan-administered Kashmir said over 400 people had been evacuated by authorities in two areas near the line of control. "Ever since the attack (Indian strike) in Muzaffarabad, we have been living in our bunker, which we carved into a nearby rocky mountain," said Manzoor Ahmed, 43, a resident of Jura Bandi village in the Neelum Valley, where local police confirmed most people were spending the night in bunkers.
