Visits Rajouri, Poonch, reviews restoration works
RAJOURI: Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Choudhary, Wednesday visited the flood-affected area of Bella in Rajouri to assess the ground situation following the recent flash floods.
During the visit, the Deputy Chief Minister interacted with the officers and field functionaries deployed on the spot. He directed them to expedite restoration works, including clearance of damaged road stretches and restoration of essential services, so that normalcy is restored at the earliest.
Later, the Deputy Chief Minister chaired a review meeting in Rajouri to review the progress of restoration works and emergency response measures following the recent flash floods. He reviewed the preparedness and response of all concerned departments and directed officers to ensure speedy restoration of essential services and effective relief measures for the affected population.
The meeting was informed that the district administration, along with all line departments, has been undertaking rescue, relief and restoration works on war footing. It was informed that four persons were initially reported missing in the flash flood incident, of whom three bodies have been recovered, while search operations are continuing to trace the remaining missing persons. Besides, multi-agency rescue operations involving the SDRF, NDRF, Police, Indian Army and other departments are being carried out in close coordination, while the administration continues to work round the clock for the safety and welfare of the affected people.
Reviewing the status of infrastructure restoration, the Deputy Chief Minister directed the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) to ensure proper drainage along NH-144A and expedite road works wherever progress is slow. He stressed that scientific drainage management is essential to prevent future damage.
The meeting was informed that 157 PMGSY roads were damaged due to the flash floods. Officers of PWD, PMGSY and BRO were directed to restore connectivity on priority and ensure that all damaged public infrastructure is repaired at the earliest.
Reviewing the Jal Shakti Department, the officers informed that 131 water supply schemes had been affected. Drinking water is presently being supplied through water tankers in affected areas until normal services are restored. It was further informed that of the 150 power feeders affected, all except 30 had been restored and the remaining feeders would be made functional by the evening.
The Deputy Chief Minister also reviewed the availability of essential commodities and directed the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department to ensure there is no black marketing or hoarding. He instructed the officers to maintain an uninterrupted supply of ration and other essentials, particularly for stranded labourers and vulnerable families. He was informed that dry ration kits and packed food are being distributed in the affected areas.
The meeting was further informed that 76 schemes of the Irrigation and Flood Control Department have suffered damage.
The Deputy Chief Minister directed the department to prepare a comprehensive proposal for flood protection works in the Bella area to minimise the risk of such incidents in the future.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister also visited Poonch and chaired a high-level review meeting with senior district and sectoral officers to assess the prevailing flood situation, relief and rehabilitation measures and restoration of essential services in the flood-affected areas of the district.
The District Development Commissioner, Poonch, briefed the Deputy Chief Minister about the arrangements made by the district administration for the establishment of relief camps, accommodation of affected persons and availability of essential supplies. He also apprised the meeting about the extent of damage to roads and bridges, water supply schemes, power feeders, irrigation khuls, school buildings, residential houses, agricultural and other land, besides the restoration measures being undertaken by various departments.
Choudhary appreciated the efforts of the Deputy Commissioner and the district administration teams in managing the situation arising out of the recent flash floods. He directed the District Development Commissioner and all concerned departments to work with utmost dedication and ensure that the public does not face any inconvenience. He stressed upon providing the best possible services to the people and ensuring speedy restoration of essential infrastructure.
