The south Kashmir Anantnag district has lost 15 lakh apple trees to the early wet snow blanket that froze Kashmir for three days, official sources revealed. The district has suffered serious damage on 6000 hectares of orchards against the total horticulture space of 20,000 hectares. Deputy Commissioner shared the startling statistics with the visiting adviser of the governor, Khursheed A Ganai. “The DDC informed that 21 Kacha residential houses and 71 Pacca houses were damaged partially and tentative damage report of Horticulture Sector has been prepared which shows 6000 hectares out of 20000 hectares under fresh plantation has been damaged,” an official spokesman said. “15 lac trees have been damaged due to recent heavy snowfall.” “We have more than 71 lakh fruit-bearing trees and this assessment is quite preliminary,” Mohammad Younis Malik, the DC, said later. “It will take us some more time to get the exact status of loss.” He said the youngest and the oldest trees were hardly hit. “It is not crop loss, it is a loss to the trees which is devastating to the growers,” Malik said. The Advisor directed Horticulture Director and Chief Horticulture Officer to deploy scientists and experts to assess the losses including future fruit-bearing capacity and age factors of partially damaged trees.  Besides, he also stressed on technical support by the experts for binding of damaged trees for their recovery. He also directed SE PDD to ensure restoration of electricity in the district by tomorrow positively. He stressed upon all departments to be prepared and keep men and machinery ready to tackle any situation arising due to inclement weather conditions and ensure prompt restoration. Source - https://kashmirlife.net