Quake-hit people in remote areas await relief

It's not the aftershocks that are troubling earthquake-affected people in Doda, Bhaderwha and Kishtwar, but the slow government response in providing them the much-needed relief.

It's not the aftershocks that are troubling earthquake-affected people in Doda, Bhaderwha and Kishtwar, but the slow government response in providing them the much-needed relief.

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Though the government had promised tents and ration for the affected people, people are still spending nights in open skies.

The actual loss from the May 1 earthquake is yet to be ascertained. People in rural areas are still waiting for relief teams to visit to assess losses and damage.

"Officials concerned are only visiting the main towns. People in far-flung areas are being totally neglected. Even though people of rural areas approached district administration officials, nobody listens to them. Most of the affected people haven't been provided any tent or blankets. They are camping outside their houses awaiting relief," said Shanker Lal, Chawni Ludna village panch, Gundna, Doda block.

This is unfortunate on the part of the administration that despite directions by union health minister GN Azad and chief minister Omar Abdullah, the teams have yet to expedite house-to-house survey of losses for fair assessment of damage caused by earthquake.

Many believe, in this time of crisis, it will augur well for Rahul to assert for skill development programme in the affected area.

"All-India Congress Committee vice-president Rahul Gandhi should help allocate sizeable amount of funds out of Rs 900-crore pakage approved for J&K under "Umeed" for earth-quake hit areas," said Amanullah Khan, a social activist and member of Indian Sociological Society from Doda region.

Equitable distribution of funds in all districts under the project, with some larger allocations to earthquake-hit districts at this critical juncture should be considered with seriousness, "said Sunil Kumar, a senior BJP leader.