Bandipora, Apr 06: A sudden and intense hailstorm lashed several upper areas of Bandipora district, damaging standing crops and causing losses to farmers, officials said.
The worst-hit areas included Arin and Dardpora, where large stretches of orchards were battered by heavy hailstones.
Locals said the brief but severe storm flattened crops, particularly orchards and early-season produce, leaving farmers distressed at a time when they were expecting a good yield.
“Within minutes, everything was destroyed. We had invested our savings in these fields, and now there is nothing left to harvest,” a farmer from Arin said.
Another resident said, “This is our only source of livelihood. The government must step in and compensate us for the losses we have suffered.”
Farmers demanded immediate assessment and compensation, stating that many families in the affected areas depend entirely on agriculture for survival.
“We are already struggling, and such disasters push us further into crisis. Authorities should conduct a proper survey and provide relief without delay,” a local from Dardpora said.
Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, Indu Kanwal Chib, visited the affected areas and assessed the damage. She directed the concerned departments to carry out a detailed assessment of the losses—(KNO)
