TANMARG, May 13 | By Neelkanth Pan
A sudden and intense hailstorm swept through parts of Tangmarg and Pattan on Wednesday, leaving a trail of destruction across sprawling fruit orchards. The hailstorm, which struck during a critical blossoming stage, has effectively wiped out the potential harvest for hundreds of fruit growers in the region.
Critical Damage to Apple Crop
The hailstorm hit several areas of the Gulmarg constituency, including Yal, Krishhama, Kati Bagh, Lalpora, Chachi Lora, Dhobiwan, and Zokar. According to local residents, the intensity of the hail was so severe that it stripped trees of their blossoms and early-stage fruits. Since apple farming is the backbone of the local economy, this loss represents a direct hit to the livelihood of the entire community.
Appeal for Urgent Intervention
Affected farmers are now looking toward the government for a lifeline. “Our year-long investment in labor and fertilizers is gone in a matter of minutes,” said a distraught grower. The farming community has urgently appealed to the administration to depute teams for a spot assessment of the losses. They are demanding a comprehensive relief package and timely compensation to help them recover from this natural calamity.
Reports of extensive damage continue to pour in from various pockets of North Kashmir as the horticulture department begins to take stock of the situation.
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