Farooq Abdullah Calls For Audit Of Srinagar Smart City Works

He has sought an impartial technical and financial audit to examine planning, execution, quality and adherence to engineering standards, saying the public has a right to know whether funds were utilised efficiently and whether lapses increased vulnerability to heavy rainfall. The inquiry should fix responsibility and recommend corrective measures. The aim is to restore public confidence in urban infrastructure.

He expressed grief over the loss of life and extensive destruction caused by torrential rains, flash floods and landslides across Jammu and Kashmir, with severe impact in Rajouri, Poonch and Doda. The rainfall triggered a humanitarian crisis that damaged homes, roads, bridges, agricultural land and livelihoods, and flash floods swept away vehicles and disrupted connectivity, hindering rescue work.

He argued that the financial burden of relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction could not be borne by the Jammu and Kashmir government alone and urged the Centre to offer a comprehensive and generous special relief package to facilitate rehabilitation of affected families and restoration of infrastructure. Recalling prior inadequate assistance after floods, he said the Centre should respond commensurate with the scale of damage. Damage assessments for homes, crops and other property were under way to determine compensation.

He praised Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for cutting short a Delhi visit to supervise relief and monitor rescue operations and said officials were directed to ensure expeditious rescue, relief, rehabilitation and restoration of essential services. He noted an ex gratia payment of Rs zero point six million (mn) for families of those who lost their lives. The party statement requested a transparent inquiry and adequate central support to rebuild and strengthen urban resilience.