Srinagar, Jul 22 (KNO): Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday separately reviewed the flood situation across Jammu and Kashmir, with the LG directing authorities to intensify rescue operations and the Chief Minister assuring relief to affected traders besides ordering all departments to remain on high alert.
LG Sinha, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) wrote on X: “I spoke with senior officials today to assess the ground situation in districts affected by heavy rains, flash floods, and landslides across Jammu Kashmir. During the review, I was briefed on ongoing relief efforts by district administrations, SDRF, NDRF, J&K Police, the Indian Army, BRO, NHAI, Health, PWD, and Jal Shakti departments. Directed teams to intensify rescue operations. Joint operations continue in Poonch and Rajouri and over 400 damaged roads in Jammu Division have already been restored.”
“I've instructed Officials to position manpower and machinery at safe, strategic locations near vulnerable areas for immediate response and issued directions to disseminate timely advisories to the citizens discouraging unnecessary travel in high-risk zones. I also spoke with DC Ramban regarding the tragic shooting stones incident in which two precious lives were lost. My deepest condolences to the bereaved family members and praying for the speedy recovery of those injured. I have directed the district administration to ensure the injured receive the best possible medical care and to provide all necessary support to the affected families during this difficult time,” the Lieutenant Governor wrote.
CM OMAR VISITS FLOOD HIT BEERWAH
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah visited flood-hit Beerwah in Budgam district to assess the damage caused by recent flash floods and interacted with traders whose shops were damaged or washed away.
He assured the affected traders that those who had constructed their shops after obtaining the required permissions from the competent authorities would be considered for compensation and rehabilitation after verification of documents by the district administration.
The chief minister also responded to the traders' demand for temporary accommodation in the newly-constructed municipal complex, saying the proposal would be considered only after the Roads and Buildings Department certifies the structure as safe, as it is also located in the affected zone.
He said the government would also examine the demand of traders seeking permission to reconstruct their shops at the same location.
Later, Abdullah chaired a high-level review meeting in Srinagar to monitor restoration of essential services, road connectivity and relief measures in the rain-affected areas.
Officials informed the meeting that electricity supply in most affected areas was likely to be substantially restored by Wednesday evening.
The chief minister directed all departments to remain on high alert, speed up restoration work, ensure uninterrupted supply of essential commodities and pre-position food grains and other necessities in vulnerable areas. He also asked officials to closely monitor vulnerable habitations and maintain swift on-ground response until normalcy is restored—(KNO)