Ministers review flood damage, restoration works in Poonch

• Direct PDD, JSD, PWD to expedite restoration, relief measures

POONCH: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology, Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, along with Minister for Youth Services & Sports, Transport, Information Technology, Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Science & Technology and ARI & Trainings, Satish Sharma, today chaired a review meeting at Surankote to assess the damage caused by incessant rainfall and flash floods in the district and took stock of the relief and restoration measures being undertaken by the administration.

The meeting was attended by MLA Surankote, Choudhary Mohammed Akram, Deputy Commissioner Poonch, Ashok Kumar Sharma and senior officers of the district administration.

It is pertinent to mention that on the instructions of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Ministers Javed Ahmed Rana and Satish Sharma are on ground in the flood-affected areas of Rajouri and Poonch, assessing the damage, meeting affected families and overseeing restoration works and relief measures.

The Ministers reviewed the impact on roads, water supply, power infrastructure, irrigation facilities and residential areas. They directed the concerned departments to expedite the restoration works and ensure timely relief and rehabilitation for the affected families.

Javed Rana directed the Chief Engineer, Irrigation and Flood Control Jammu, to immediately prepare Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for the flood-affected areas to facilitate restoration and long-term mitigation measures. He also instructed the department to identify all vulnerable locations and breach-prone spots on priority and undertake necessary protective and restoration works without delay to prevent further damage.

The Ministers emphasised that there should be no complacency in view of the prevailing weather situation. They directed the officers to remain on high alert, maintain constant vigil and ensure round-the-clock preparedness to effectively respond to any eventuality arising from adverse weather conditions.

They further instructed the district administration to maintain close surveillance in flood and landslide-prone areas, identify the vulnerable locations based on historical flood data and field assessments. They asked them to ensure timely evacuation of the people from high-risk areas whenever the situation so warrants..

The Ministers directed the Power Development Department to ensure the work is completed within the stipulated timeline and that any remaining issues are resolved without delay as many water supply schemes are subservient to the restoration of power supply.

During the meeting, the officials informed that electricity restoration in flood-hit Poonch district was progressing on war footing despite incessant rains. The Ministers also directed that arrangements be made for potable water supply wherever water supply schemes have been damaged.

Regarding the damaged roads in the district, the Ministers directed that immediate temporary restoration measures be undertaken to enable the vehicular movement for transportation of materials and essentials, and to facilitate handling of any emergency situation.

The Ministers also reviewed the ongoing rescue, relief and restoration operations in Poonch district. They directed the district administration to ensure that all relief camps are adequately equipped with essential food supplies, safe drinking water, healthcare facilities and other basic amenities for the affected population.

They further instructed the district administration to undertake a comprehensive assessment of the damage caused to residential houses, public infrastructure, agricultural land, irrigation facilities and other public assets to facilitate timely relief, compensation and restoration measures in accordance with the prescribed norms.

Later, Javed Rana visited the Ari area of Mendhar subdivision in Poonch district, which was hit by flash floods triggered by heavy rainfall, causing damage to several houses and disrupting normal life. He took stock of the situation on the ground and interacted with the affected residents.

The officials informed the Minister that nearly a dozen houses had suffered partial damage in the flash floods while several people were temporarily stranded before being safely rescued by the district administration and emergency response teams.

Javed Rana directed the concerned officers to expedite restoration works, assess the losses without delay and ensure that all affected families receive timely relief and assistance.