New Delhi, July 20: Continuing his close monitoring of the situation arising from the recent heavy rains across Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today chaired another high-level review meeting through video conference from New Delhi to assess restoration works, relief measures and overall preparedness across Jammu and Kashmir.
The meeting comprehensively reviewed the latest ground situation, including restoration of essential services, road connectivity, availability of food and other essential supplies, healthcare arrangements, relief operations and the preparedness of all departments in view of continuing adverse weather conditions.
During the meeting, the CM was informed that restoration of power supply in Poonch district is progressing on a war footing and is expected to be completed by tomorrow evening. He directed the Power Development Department to ensure that restoration works are completed within the stipulated timeline and that any remaining issues are addressed without delay.
The status of roads affected due to landslides, flash floods and heavy rainfall also came under review. Stressing the importance of restoring connectivity at the earliest, the Chief Minister instructed the concerned departments to expedite restoration works, particularly on roads critical for movement of people, relief operations and essential services.
Emphasising the need for continued vigilance, the Chief Minister directed the district administrations to maintain focused attention on vulnerable habitations and take all necessary measures to safeguard residents living in flood-prone and landslide-prone areas. He instructed officers to use historical flood data to identify high-risk locations along rivers and streams and ensure timely evacuation wherever the need arises.
The Chief Minister further ordered strict regulation of traffic movement on landslide and shooting-stone-prone stretches to minimise the risk of accidents and ensure public safety.
He also directed the administration to ensure uninterrupted availability of food grains, medicines, drinking water and other essential commodities in affected areas. Stressing the importance of preparedness, he instructed that adequate stocks be maintained and advance distribution of rations be undertaken wherever continued rainfall may disrupt road connectivity.
Expressing concern over the widespread waterlogging witnessed in several parts of Srinagar city following today’s rainfall, the Chief Minister directed the concerned departments, including the Srinagar Municipal Corporation, to adopt a proactive approach in preventing urban flooding. He instructed that men, machinery and dewatering pumps be pre-positioned at identified vulnerable locations to ensure swift drainage of accumulated rainwater and restoration of normal public movement.
Reviewing the situation in Kashmir Division, the Divisional Commissioner informed the meeting that despite heavy rainfall, the overall situation remained under control and essential infrastructure, including roads and drinking water supply, continued to function normally. He said migratory families residing in vulnerable areas had been shifted to safer locations. In view of the forecast of intense rainfall across South Kashmir tomorrow, advance warnings have already been issued and the entire administrative machinery has been mobilised to respond promptly to any eventuality.
The CM directed all departments to strengthen inter-departmental coordination, closely monitor weather forecasts and remain fully prepared to respond swiftly to any emerging situation. He instructed the Divisional Commissioners to submit detailed situation reports every six hours to the Department of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction to facilitate continuous monitoring and timely decision-making.
He reiterated that the safety and well-being of the people remain the Government’s highest priority. He directed the administration to act proactively, efficiently and with empathy so that no citizen suffers during this critical period, while ensuring speedy restoration of essential services, timely relief to affected families and effective preparedness to deal with any further weather-related challenges.
Earlier, Chief Minister announced an ex gratia relief of ₹6 lakh for the next of kin of each person who lost their life in the rain-related incidents in Rajouri and Poonch districts, as an immediate measure to support the bereaved families.
Expressing profound grief over the tragic loss of lives caused by the flash floods, landslides and other rain-related incidents, the Chief Minister said that while no amount of financial assistance can compensate for the irreparable loss suffered by the affected families, the Government stands firmly with them during this difficult time.
“While no amount of financial assistance can ever compensate for the irreparable loss of life caused by yesterday’s flash floods, landslides and other rain-related incidents in Poonch and Rajouri, an ex gratia relief of ₹6 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased as an immediate measure of support for the bereaved families,” the CM said.
The relief package comprises ₹4 lakh from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and an additional ₹2 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF).
The announcement follows the high-level review meeting chaired by the Chief Minister on Sunday evening in the aftermath of the devastating flash floods and other rain-related incidents that struck the twin districts of Rajouri and Poonch, resulting in multiple fatalities and widespread damage to public and private property.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister directed the administration to ensure immediate relief and rehabilitation of the affected families, stressing that all possible assistance should reach them without delay. He also underscored the need for coordinated efforts by all concerned departments to restore essential services and expedite relief measures in the affected areas.