Srinagar, Apr 16 : The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) is distressed over the loss of life in the Boat Capsizing Tragedy at Batwara – Gandabal River Jhelum crossing.
According to a statement issued to the news agency, the KCCI mourns the loss of life of 6 persons including School Children.
It appealed the administration to redouble the operation to search the missing persons. It is a tragic and inconsolable loss to the families of the children who were on way to school in the Ill fated boat and never returned. No words are enough to grieve over the loss and express condolences to the families of the victims, the statement reads.
KCCI believes that this tragic incident could have been averted had the concerned authorities shown sensitivity to the situation that existed at the spot and many other dangerous River Crossings, the statement said.
“It is perplexing to note that the process of construction of the bridge had been initiated at the site but abandoned for un-known reasons. The safety and security of citizens is the foremost duty of any Government but in this and other such cases the safety concerns have been ignored,” the statement said.
It would be worthwhile to mention that the KCCI in Srinagar Smart City Project Limited meetings had been pressing to take Developmental / Beautification works beyond the Srinagar Municipal Limits but the suggestion was ignored on the ground that the funds earmarked would have to be spent within the Srinagar Municipal Limits, the statement said.
The KCCI demanded that the work on Batwara- Gandabal Bridge be taken up on war footing, as also on other similarly situated River Crossing bridges/footbridges be taken up and completed on urgent basis to avert similar incidents and loss of more lives.
Meanwhile, CCIK President Tariq Ghani has conveyed his profound sorrow over the devastating incident at Gandbal-Batwara.
Describing the Batwara tragedy as an “unimaginable massacre,” CCIK President Tariq ghani emphasized the critical need to hold those responsible for negligence fully accountable. He questioned why the bridge in the area has remained incomplete, and how local authorities could allow an unsafe boat to ferry school children across the river.
“Life jackets should be mandatory for every single person before any boat departs, whether on a lake or river. The administration must strictly enforce this vital safety precaution,” he insisted.
Kashmir Trade Alliance (KTA) expressed deep shock and sorrow over the loss of lives in boat capsizing incident.
KTA President Aijaz Shahdhar conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families impacted by the tragic incident. “Our hearts are shattered by this terrible loss of life,” Shahdhar said. “To lose innocent young children in such a horrifying manner is an unimaginable tragedy for their families and our entire community.”
KTA president called upon government authorities to provide all possible assistance and support to the bereaved families grappling with this profound grief. “In their darkest hour, these families should not have to worry about finances or making arrangements. It is incumbent upon the administration to urgently step in and ensure all their needs are taken care of,” Shahdhar stated.
