Govt releases Rs 700 million for Hunza IDPs


Agencies/express May 18, 2010

HUNZA: Federal Minister for Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan Affairs, Manzoor Ahmed Wattoo  said that the government has released 700 million rupees for the rehabilitation of those affected by the Attabad lake in Hunza.

Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, the federal minister stated that an additional 100 million rupees will also be released later.

Wattoo said a 22 kilometer portion of the Karakoram Highway was damaged by the flooding and the trade route between Pakistan and China has been blocked. He said that the National Highway Authority is waiting for the water level to go down so that construction work can begin.

Earlier, a massive landslide was reported in Hunza, causing a fresh wave of alarm over the overflow of water in Attabad lake.

The water level in the lake has risen to an alarming level, prompting officials to suspend boat services, thereby cutting off the link between Hunza Nagar and Gilgit. This is posing difficulties for locals of 40 villages who are heavily dependent on Gilgit for basic commodities.

The chairman for national disaster management authority addressed a press conference in Islamabad where he briefed the media about arrangements made by the government, including an SMS based disaster management system.

Ferry services on the lake formation have also been stopped because of rain forecast and downstream residents have ordered to evacuate to higher areas by Thursday.

COMMENTS (6)

Zubair Ahmed | 14 years ago | Reply Gilgit is called as the hub of asia, its well known for its natural scenerio and beauty, specialy if its the matter of hunza it cannot be neglected in any cost by the Govt officials which was already shown by them in the last couple of month when the attabad incident took place, now situation is totaly changed dam has almost covered a large number of area automaticaly every one can be concentrated by his own due to the threat posed to the down stream areas, fund provided is just a claim not in fact it is, due to a large number of corruption i dont think the poors would get their right which they deserve,
G.Abbas | 14 years ago | Reply Just announcing of funds from the Govt. of pakistan is not enough, the Govt.should take some serious steps for saving the beauty valley (Hunza)of Gilgit Baltistan,at last we are all requesting to the Govt.please do some arrangements to save the KKH and Hunza valley.Thanks
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