Deputy Commissioner Budgam Syed SehrishAsgar on Wednesday directed horticulture department to conduct grower-to-grower damage assessment across the district due to recent snowfall so that the affected orchardists can be compensated adequately.
The DC issued the direction during her visit to various damaged apple orchards in Char-i-Sharief areas of Budgam district.
Emphasizing on the conduct of field visits, the DC directed the concerned to deploy field staff of the horticulture department along with Patwaris and Girdawars to prepare the damage report and submit the same within 10 days for early compensation to the affected growers.
The DC was accompanied by SDM Chadoora, Abdul Aziz, Chief Horticulture Officer Budgam, KuldeepAmbardar and other officers from allied departments.
The DC also directed CHO to deploy scientists and experts to assess the losses including future fruit-bearing capacity and age factors of partially damaged trees. Besides, she also stressed on technical support by the experts for binding of damaged trees for their recovery.
During the inspection, various public and fruit growers deputations met the DC and apprised her about damages to orchards.
The DC assured them that she would submit the damage assessment report to the Governor’s office and seek all possible help from higher authorities for early compensation to the affected growers.