Damage to farm land more severe

The damage to agricultural land is more severe than the 35 houses damaged in Igoo, a mountain hamlet 40 kms from Leh. But despite the huge loss, people have lost no time in reconstructing their lives.

Sonam Rabjays (70) said, “I lost all my land. There are huge boulders standing on my land. The gushing water washed out my house too.”

With a large family to take care of the farmer did well with approximately 40 karnals (20 karnals = one acre) land with wheat, potato and mustard. The floods not only destroyed his ripe crop but also diminished the chances of reclaiming his land.

Thankfully, his livestock escaped unhurt. Punjab government has provided 25,000 quintals of feed and fodder for the livestock free of cost and more is coming. The main worry is about loss of his agriculture land as the government is playing the wait game, as he calls it.

First Published: Sep 27, 2010 23:39 IST