Jammu/Katra, Aug 27 (KNO): Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha chaired a high-level meeting here on Wednesday evening to review the ongoing relief and rescue operations in flood hit Jammu region, he also announced Rs 9 lakhs relief for the Next of Kins (NoKs) of Katra landslide victims.
According to the details available with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) the high-level meeting chaired by LG Sinha at Raj Bhawan here was attended by top officers of the administration and the security forces, including Army, J&K Police and paramilitary forces.
In a post on X, the Lieutenant Governor wrote: “Chaired a high-level meeting today at Raj Bhavan Jammu to review the rescue & relief operations, restoration of essential services and preparedness of UT's and concerned central agencies, Army, NDRF, CAPFs to deal with the situation arising out of incessant rain and floods.”
The Lieutenant Governor directed the officials for restoration of power, communication and water supply on priority in areas where flood water is receding.
He was informed that more than 5000 people were evacuated from low-lying flooded areas to safety.
The officials told LG Sinha that Army, NDRF and SDRF are working in coordination with the Divisional Commissioner’s office and are ensuring that there is adequate supply of relief materials and all possible assistance is being given to those affected.
The Lieutenant Governor also prayed for the safety and well-being of everyone affected by the natural calamity in various parts of Jammu Division, and those brave emergency responders and citizens actively helping in the relief efforts.
Earlier in the day LG Sinha met the devotees injured in an unfortunate landslide incident near Ardhkuwari at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine who are undergoing treatment at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, Katra and enquired about their health.
Team of senior doctors briefed the Lieutenant Governor on the health condition of the injured and the medical procedures being followed. The Lieutenant Governor directed the doctors and Hospital Administration for ensuring the best possible treatment for the speedy recovery of the injured. It was informed that 13 people are presently under-going treatment at SMVD Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, Katra and their condition is stable.
The Lieutenant Governor expressed his gratitude to emergency responders, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board employees and citizens for their exemplary interventions which saved many lives.
Interacting with the media persons, the Lieutenant Governor said, “Yatra was suspended yesterday due to bad weather. Cloudburst occurred and devotees at Ardhkuwari were caught in it. It was a heart-wrenching natural calamity, in which we have lost precious lives. We are providing all possible assistance to bereaved families.”
The Lieutenant Governor also announced ex-gratia relief to the families of the deceased. He said the Shrine Board and the administration are extending all the necessary assistance to the affected families.
The Shrine Board's policy provides for an ex-gratia payment of Rs 5 lakh to the next of kin of any individual who dies in an unfortunate incident. An additional Rs 4 lakh will be provided from SDRF.
The Lieutenant Governor also briefed the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah on the flood situation and the ongoing relief and rescue operations in various Districts of Jammu Kashmir.
He directed the officials for maximum readiness and presence of staff at their posts to respond to emergency situations—(KNO)