Tanveer Hussain
Budgam, July 9: A flood-like situation has thrown life out of gear in several areas of Central Kashmir’s Budgam district, with villages like Raiyar Khansahib, Kangripora, and nearby localities bearing the brunt of incessant rainfall. The downpour, continuing since the last two days, has led to widespread waterlogging, damage to kucha houses, and inundation of shops and roads—leaving locals desperate and helpless.
Villagers are deeply concerned about what they describe as a complete lack of administrative response. Many allege that no official from the district administration or even the local MLA has visited the area to assess the damage or offer assistance.
“We are suffering badly. Water has entered our homes and shops, and no official has come to see our plight. We appeal to the district administration and the MLA of Khansahib to immediately visit and take necessary steps,” said a local from Raiyar to the news agency Kashmir News Trust, as he stood knee-deep in water outside his flooded home.
The situation is particularly grim in low-lying areas, where poor drainage has allowed water to stagnate, heightening fears of further damage to property and posing health risks. With most local infrastructure overwhelmed, people say they have been left to fend for themselves.
“We have seen no dewatering pumps, no relief teams. Our belongings are getting destroyed, and there’s no place to even shift our children to safety,” said a shopkeeper in Kangripora whose entire stock now lies submerged.
The continuous rainfall has only worsened the ordeal, with mud walls caving in, roads turning into streams, and schools reportedly forced shut in some areas. Locals are demanding immediate relief and rehabilitation efforts, including the restoration of drainage systems, provision of temporary shelters for the displaced, and an on-the-spot survey of the damage inflicted by the water.
As floodwaters continue to rise and hope begins to ebb, the people of Raiyar, Khansahib, Kangripora, and other affected areas remain on edge, waiting for the government to respond to their call for help. [KNT]
