In response to the recent floods that have severely affected parts of Jammu and Kashmir, Satish Sharma, Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Information Technology, Transport, Youth Services and Sports, convened a high-level meeting to review the status of essential commodities across the Union Territory.
The meeting was attended by Commissioner Secretary, Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Saurav Bhagat, along with other senior departmental officers.
During the review, the Minister was informed that adequate stocks of food grains, LPG, and petroleum products are available in all districts. The ration for August has already been distributed, while in flood-affected and vulnerable areas, the September quota has been issued in advance to ensure an uninterrupted supply chain.
The department has also created buffer stocks of essential commodities to tackle any extended disruption that may occur due to the prevailing weather conditions.
Officials highlighted that with the cooperation of telecom operators, the Smart Public Distribution System (PDS) has been fully operational, ensuring that ration distribution remains transparent and seamless, despite the logistical challenges caused by the floods.
The Minister was further briefed that over 400 trucks carrying petroleum products and essential supplies have successfully reached Kashmir Division via the Mughal Road, which has served as an alternative route following the temporary closure of the national highway. Supplies have also been dispatched to Kishtwar and Doda through the Simthan Top route, preventing shortages in these remote districts.
In addition, air-dropping of food supplies has been carried out in inaccessible and cut-off villages, where road connectivity has been completely disrupted due to landslides and flooding. These efforts have ensured that no household is left without basic essentials during the ongoing crisis.
Addressing the officials, Minister Satish Sharma reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining uninterrupted availability of food grains, LPG, and other necessities, even amid natural disasters.
“The Government is fully committed to ensuring availability of essential supplies across Jammu and Kashmir. There is no shortage of food stock. All possible measures, including use of alternate routes and air-dropping in remote areas, are being implemented to reach every household,” he said.
He instructed officials to maintain close coordination with district administrations and ground-level staff, urging a proactive approach in monitoring the situation and addressing challenges as they emerge.
Sharma also emphasized the need to prioritize remote and vulnerable regions, ensuring that all citizens receive equitable support and are not subjected to unnecessary hardship.
The Minister concluded by appreciating the dedication of the officers, frontline workers of the Food & Supplies Department, and oil company staff, who have continued working tirelessly under difficult conditions. He urged them to sustain their efforts until complete normalcy is restored.