JAMMU: Minister for Housing, Horticulture, Culture, Youth Services and Sports Raman Bhalla on Thursday asked for immediate steps to prevent the sliding of a portion of hill slope below Bahu-Fort facing the River Tawi.
The minister accompanied by District Development Commissioner (DDC), Jammu Ajeet Kumar Sahu and Vice Chairman Jammu Development Authority Sushma Chouhan on Thursday visited the site and took stock of the situation.
He asked the officials to immediately start the protection work as the delay can cause damage to the historic Bahu Fort.
This minister inspected the spot near Har ki Pouri Temple and issued strict instructions for immediate start of the protection work.
Commissioner Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) Kiran Wattal besides Revenue Officers, CAPDD, PHE, R&B and UEED accompanied the minister.
Bhalla asked the JMC to depute a team of Safaikarmcharis for removing the mud of River Tawi that has entered in the Har ki Pouri Temple in recent flash floods. He asked for reconstruction of washed away banks of River Tawi for the safety of the Temple.
Earlier, The minister visited Bhour Camp, Bhour Kothey and Belicharana where he asked the R&B Department to start restoration work of damaged roads and cremation ground.
He asked the Rural Development Department to start crate work on the both sides of Barasati Nallah near the cremation ground at Bhour Kothey.
Bhalla expressed his sympathies with the River Tawi flash flood hit families of Belicharana and assured that drinking water and power supply to the areas would be completed within two days. He also said that restoration of road, lanes and drains would be completed soonest by putting up additional men and machinery.
The minister also inspected the tents, food, bedding facilities being provided by the government to the flood hit families at Belicharana village.
The minister directed the Revenue Department to expedite the assessment process of damages to property. He appealed to the people to come directly to the respective Patwaris of their areas to determine the authenticity of the case for making claims of loss of lives and house damages. He directed the Health Department to launch health camp in the Belicharana so that ailing patients the area could be treated there.
Bhalla called upon the people to help the government voluntarily in saving the lives and property of in flood affected areas.
The army, police and civil administration was instructed to be fully prepared for emergency and be ready with all the necessary supplies to the people at safe place.
