MAPUSA: When a seven-member joint family from Mapusa decided to visit Srinagar on a tour of a lifetime, little did they realise that they would encounter a precarious situation that would leave them stranded for an uncertain period in the area.
While the floods which have claimed more than 170 lives in Srinagar have been grabbing world attention and concern, Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC) Chairman Sandeep Falari is anxiously awaiting the arrival of his parents, brother and his family from their holiday in Srinagar.
Falari’s parents, brother and his family were due to return on Sunday, but they have been stranded at Pahalgam in J&K due to heavy floods in Srinagar, which have taken a heavy toll on human life.
Speaking to Herald, Falari said his parents, Hari and Neena, and his brother Harsh along with his family had left for a tour of Jammu and Srinagar through a Goa-based tours and travels agency on September 1.
“They left for their tour of Srinagar after immersing the Ganesh idol. They were expected to return to Goa on Sunday by a flight from Srinagar. Since all the roads leading towards Srinagar have been flooded and vehicular traffic has come to a grinding halt, they were unable to leave Pehelgam, where they are put up in a hotel,” Falari told Herald.
“Telecommunications in Pahalgam have not been disrupted and I am in constant touch with my parents as well as Harsh and his family,” said Falari.
“Pahalgam is a hilly area and so far, has not been affected by the fury of the floods. They are quite safe and are expected to return to Goa as soon as vehicular traffic to Srinagar and flights from Srinagar resume,” informed Falari.
Incidentally, the Indian army has stated that the Jammu and Kashmir highway could be restored only after 4-5 days, thereby prolonging the anxious wait for the MMC chairman.
To a query, Falari admitted that he had not yet informed the State government of the incident, especially since the situation is under control in Pahalgam.
Meanwhile, news that the Falari joint family had been stranded due to floods in Srinagar spread quickly across Mapusa town and a number of people from in and around Mapusa called on the MMC chairman to enquire about the wellbeing of his parents and his brother’s family in Srinagar.
