BADC Demands Advance Winter Stocking for Border Areas of J&K

GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL 

JAMMU OCT 05:-The Jammu and Kashmir Border Area Development Conference (JKBADC), a registered organization working for the welfare of border residents and tribal communities of J&K, led by Dr. Shazad Ahmed Malik, former Vice Chancellor has urged the government of J&K and the Union Government to start an Advance Winter Stocking (AWS) system for remote and hilly border areas, following the successful model in Ladakh.

This system has been widely praised for ensuring essential supplies reach isolated communities on time.

Every winter, many remote villages in districts like Rajouri, Poonch, Kupwara, and Bandipora remain cut off for months due to heavy snowfall. Residents are left without power, gas, fuel, fodder, medicines, and road access, facing severe hardship in daily life.

JKBADC stated that stocking ration and other essential supplies before winter is the only way to help people survive and avoid critical shortages.

Dr Shazad highlighted the need for limited helicopter support for medical emergencies, while stressing that the main requirement is a proper stocking system of essential items.

He said, Local storage points and depots should be ready in advance so that no village is left without assistance during winter, especially families with children, elderly people, and those with medical conditions.

The BADC Chairman emphasized that the AWS system in Ladakh must be replicated for border and mountainous areas of Jammu and Kashmir. He added that frontline residents must receive timely supplies before winter.

Dr Shazad also stated that victims of border shelling and those affected by monsoon rains should be provided compensation and proper shelter before the winter season to ensure they can face harsh conditions safely.

It is important to note that the government ensures pre-stocking of food, medicines, and fuel in Ladakh every year before winter. JKBADC has urged that the same system be applied to all remote, hilly, and border areas of Jammu and Kashmir.