Ramban, Apr 21 (KNO): Blaming reckless environmental practices as one of the reasons for the Ramban landslide, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Monday said the disaster was not merely an act of nature but a consequence of unbridled human interference with the environment.
Addressing media persons, Mufti highlighted the growing environmental degradation in the region, citing ‘unchecked’ deforestation and ‘unregulated’ mountain-cutting as key contributors to such tragedies.
“The way we cut down mountains and forests without hesitation, we think about development in a way that ends up causing destruction," Mufti said, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), adding that such disasters are now direct fallout of environmental negligence.
Urging the government to prioritise evacuation and relief, she said, “Many people have gone missing. Some have lost their lives, and others may still be trapped under debris.”
Mufti said several vehicles were buried under the landslide, while road closures have left children, women and elderly passengers stranded in extremely difficult conditions.
She appealed to the administration to expedite rescue operations and ensure timely relief for those stuck in the area.
Mufti also said she had directed her party’s General Secretary to immediately visit the affected area and coordinate the necessary help on the ground—(KNO)