Rajouri, Aug 6: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday undertook an extensive tour of flood-affected areas in Rajouri district to assess the damage caused by the recent devastating flash floods.
Reaffirming his Government’s commitment to the affected people, he assured them that every possible assistance would be extended to ensure timely relief, rehabilitation of families and restoration of infrastructure.
During the visit, the CM called on the family of Abdul Ghani, a Jal Shakti (PHE) daily-wage worker who lost his life after being swept away by flash floods while on night duty at a water supply pumping station in Kote Behrote, Thanamandi.
Expressing his heartfelt condolences, he conveyed his sympathies to the bereaved family and assured them of the Government’s full support.
At the PWD Dak Bungalow, Omar met the family of Javed Iqbal, son of Sain Khan and a resident of Kandi Budhal Block; the family of Vikas Choudhary, a resident of Panchayat Bagla in Qila Darhal Block; the family of Shahida Parveen, wife of Abdul Rehman of Bhatian village; and Pinky Singh, wife of Bablu Singh, a resident of Sunderbani.
He expressed profound grief over their losses, conveyed his condolences, and assured each family that the Government would stand by them during this difficult time.
The CM later inspected the damaged Circular Road in Rajouri, where nearly 200 metres of the road was washed away in the July 19 flash floods. He also visited the flood-hit Aitey area to assess the extensive damage to residential areas, public infrastructure and local connectivity. Directing the concerned departments to expedite restoration works, he instructed them to undertake necessary protective measures to safeguard vulnerable locations against future calamities.
He also visited the severely affected Bela Bus Stand, where he took a first-hand appraisal of the damage to the bus stand, adjoining public infrastructure and commercial establishments. Interacting with local residents and officials, he directed the district administration to ensure the early restoration of essential services and public infrastructure.
Reiterating the Government’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of the affected people, the Chief Minister said that rehabilitation of affected families and restoration of damaged infrastructure would be taken up on priority to facilitate an early return to normalcy in the district.
Omar also visited the office of the Deputy Commissioner, Rajouri, which was declared unsafe following the recent floods. He took stock of the damage caused to the building and assured that the Government would take appropriate measures to address the issue and ensure the smooth functioning of the district administration.
Chairing a high-level review meeting, the CM observed that natural disasters, particularly cloudbursts and flash floods, have become increasingly frequent in Jammu and Kashmir in recent years.
He noted that while the Meteorological Department provides rainfall forecasts and timely advisories are issued, accurately predicting the precise location of cloudbursts remains a challenge, limiting preparedness in specific areas.
Emphasising the need for enhanced support to affected families, the CM said that the existing relief assistance is inadequate to meet the costs of reconstruction and rehabilitation.
He assured that the J&K Government would enhance the quantum of relief and provide comprehensive rehabilitation assistance, particularly to families whose houses have been damaged and those rendered landless.
Directing the Deputy Commissioner Rajouri to identify suitable Government land, the CM said that families who have lost both their homes and agricultural land should be provided five marlas of land for rehabilitation. He further instructed the administration to ensure the immediate provision of special free ration to such families.
Reviewing restoration efforts, the Chief Minister noted that the 33 KV power transmission line between Rajouri and Poonch had suffered extensive damage, disrupting electricity supply. While appreciating the temporary restoration carried out by the Power Development Department, he directed the concerned authorities to complete permanent restoration works at the earliest.