Aid needs to reach quake-hit areas of J-K before monsoon: BJP

Relief packages for the residents of quake-affected houses in Doda district should be released immediately as the approaching monsoon season was likely to cause more destruction to the already damaged structures, state BJP leaders said today.

Thousands of families saw their houses damaged in a series of quakes which shook the entire Chenab Valley in early May.

'More than two months have passed since earthquakes hit Doda district, causing heavy loss of property and lives.

'Despite repeated assurances, people are still awaiting relief. The same should be provided at the earliest so that the families do not suffer any more in the coming monsoon,' BJP district president Dalip Singh Parihar said during a public rally at Gandoh in Doda district.

He demanded waiver of loans taken by the quake-hit families under self-employment and agriculture categories, and called for provision of free wood for reconstruction of damaged houses.

He also urged the government to announce interest-free loans of up to Rs 5 lakh for rebuilding houses.