Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday blamed the present flood-like situation on the failure of authorities to carry out dredging of the Jhelum and other flood channels over the past 11 years after the 2014 floods.
Speaking to reporters at Shalina, Omar said the crisis could have been avoided if timely steps had been taken.
“If dredging of the Jhelum and flood channels had been carried out, this situation would not have arisen. There has been negligence on the part of those in power over the last 11 years. We will question this negligence and seek answers. We will ensure that people are not forced to abandon their homes, live in fear, or park their cars on flyovers to protect them in the future,” he said.
The Chief Minister said people had expected that after the 2014 floods, such conditions would not recur.
“Unfortunately, we are facing this situation again due to the negligence of the past 11 years. Rainfall is in the hands of Allah, but rainfall alone should not cause such devastation. If the right measures had been taken, these losses could have been avoided,” Omar said.
He assured the public that steps will now be taken to prevent such situations in the future.
