Kishtwar Cloudburst Tragedy
News Kashmir Analysis
Kishtwar Cloudburst has shaken entire India. The large number of deaths just before we celebrated our 79th Independence day made entire country sad. The regular occurrence of cloudbursts in Himalayan states of the Country is becoming cause of concern as they are causing large scale havoc.
Cloufburst struck Chashoti village of Kishtwar and it is the last motorable village en route to the Machail Mata pilgrimage, considered holy by the Hindu community. According to eyewitnesses, a large number of pilgrims had congregated there for the annual yatra. The pilgrimage, which had commenced on July 25, was scheduled to conclude by September 5. Reaching the 9,500-feet-high pilgrimage site from Chashoti village involves a nearly 9-km trek.
Pain and grief engulfed all.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah cancelled the ‘At Home’ tea party scheduled for August 15 evening. “In light of the tragedy caused by the cloudburst in Kishtwar I have taken the decision to cancel the ‘At Home’ tea party tomorrow evening. We have also decided not to go ahead with the cultural events during the morning Independence Day celebrations. The formal events—speech, march past, etc.—will go ahead as planned,” the Chief Minister tweeted.
On the other hand, Union Minister Jitendra Singh visited the affected region in Kishtwar late on Friday evening and shared details of the government’s swift response.
Speaking to ANI, Singh said, “The government immediately took cognisance of it…PM Modi personally took cognisance of it and monitored it. After that, the equipment was brought here overnight by vehicles. CRPF came here overnight with equipment. Air Force, Indian Army, DG Police, Jammu-Kashmir Police, and today BRO’s services have been utilised because they have machines to clear debris from the roads…”
He added, “52 bodies have been recovered, of which four bodies have not been identified, while the rest have been identified. Seriously injured patients have been referred outside, with about 52 patients admitted to Jammu Medical College, and those who are more critical will be referred outside…Efforts are ongoing. There is no shortage from the government’s side. Work is in progress.”
The expert pulse is worried about frequent cloudbursts in Jammu and Kashmir, and other Himalayan states like Himachal Pradesh and Uttrakhand. The need of the hour is experts especially environmentalists start educating masses about the fallout of these cloudbursts and explain holistic contours.
Undoubtedly, Kishtwar Cloudburst has pained entire country.