Bharat Priye visits flood-hit Pargwal, slams Govt over delay in relief and repair works

• JKPCC Kissan Department Chairman warns of mass agitation if compensation to farmers and flood protection measures are not ensured before upcoming monsoon

JAMMU: JKPCC Kissan Department Chairman Bharat Priye today visited the flood-affected Pargwal border area in the Akhnoor sector to assess the ground situation and take cognizance of the grievances of local residents and farmers who have suffered massive losses during the devastating floods caused by the swelling Chenab River during the heavy monsoon rains of late August and early September 2025.

During his visit, Bharat Priye interacted with affected villagers and farmers who narrated their ordeal and expressed anguish over the non-payment of compensation for the losses suffered to their homes, crops, and agricultural lands. The villagers informed him that the floods had submerged large portions of fertile land, washed away standing crops, damaged irrigation channels, and severely affected rural infrastructure in the border belt.

Expressing serious concern over the plight of the affected families, Bharat Priye said it is unfortunate that even after several months of the disaster, the government has failed to provide adequate relief and compensation to the victims. He said that farmers, who form the backbone of the rural economy, have been left to struggle on their own despite suffering huge financial losses.

Bharat Priye also raised alarm over the lack of flood protection and repair works along the Chenab River embankments in the Pargwal region. He pointed out that the river frequently crosses danger levels during the monsoon season, leading to repeated flooding of low-lying villages, destruction of agricultural land, and damage to border infrastructure. However, despite repeated appeals from local residents, no effective steps have been taken to strengthen the flood protection works or repair the damaged embankments.

He warned that the rainy season is once again approaching, and if urgent preventive measures are not undertaken, the region may face another devastating flood situation. “The safety of border villages and the livelihood of farmers cannot be ignored. The government must act immediately to repair the damaged flood protection structures and strengthen embankments before the monsoon arrives,” he said.

The JKPCC Kissan Department Chairman strongly criticized the Irrigation and Flood Control Department for its alleged failure to take timely action despite being aware of the vulnerability of the area. He said that administrative negligence has put thousands of residents and farmers at risk.Bharat Priye demanded immediate assessment of damages, release of compensation to affected farmers and families, and urgent execution of repair and flood control works in the Pargwal border belt. He emphasized that ensuring the safety of border villages and protecting agricultural land must be treated as a priority by the authorities.

Issuing a stern warning, Bharat Priye said that if the government and concerned departments fail to act promptly, he will be compelled to launch a large-scale agitation along with farmers and local residents to press for their legitimate demands. “If the authorities continue to remain indifferent to the suffering of the people, the JKPCC Kissan Department will mobilize farmers and hold strong protests. The responsibility for such agitation will lie entirely with the government and the Irrigation and Flood Control Department for their inaction,” he asserted.

Local residents who accompanied Bharat Priye during the visit appreciated his efforts for highlighting their issues and demanded immediate intervention by the administration to prevent further damage during the upcoming monsoon season.Bharat Priye assured the villagers that the JKPCC Kissan Department will continue to raise their voice at every platform until justice is delivered to the affected farmers and necessary steps are taken to safeguard the vulnerable border region from recurring floods.