J-K floods: Omar requests Centre for extraordinary package

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday sought an extraordinary package from the Centre for rehabilitation of the flood-affected people and reconstruction of damaged infrastructure and the private property.

Omar, who raised this issue during his meeting with Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari here, also sought a special package for traders, the business community, horticulturists, farmers and others affected for payment of compensation for the huge losses incurred due to the floods in the state.

Both leaders discussed the measures to be intensified and other initiatives required to be taken for reaching out to all those affected because of the devastating floods.

Gadkari arrived in Srinagar earlier in the day for an on the spot review of relief and rehabilitation operations concerning rural roads and drinking water in the flood ravaged areas of the state.

According to reports, Gadkari also held a meeting to assess the damage caused to the roads built and the plans to rebuild the damaged road network.

On September 16, the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway was reopened for vehicular traffic after remaining closed for 13 days due to landslides triggered by incessant rains which had hit the state.