REASI : The Minister of State for Revenue, Ajaz Ahmed Khan on Thursday conducted aerial survey of upper reaches of Reasi and Ramban Districts to take stock of the situation arisen due to recent incessant rains and flash floods.
Accompanied by MLA Ghulab Garh, Abdul Gani Malik, Deputy Commissioner Reasi, the minister surveyed Khanikote, Ghulab Garh, Chasana, Lancha, Duga Dansal and Thakra Kote area in District Reasi and Dheeda, Ind, Bhimdesa and Dharam of district Ramban.
The minister informed that food material has been air dropped to provide some relief to stranded people in inaccessible and cut off areas including, Chassana, Shakari Top, Thuroo Patian, Khanikote, Budhal, Kanthi, Deval , Ghulab Garh, Malas and some other villages . He said that many houses and standing crops have suffered extensive damage in these areas, while hundreds of people are stranded at many places.
The minister asked the district administration of the two districts to depute official teams to assess the losses of crops, private property and public utilities. He stressed on immediate restoration of road links, power supply and other essential services in all affected areas.
The minister also directed the Deputy Commissioners to ensure that the district, sectorial and block level officers do not leave their headquarters in any case. He stressed on immediate gearing up men and machinery of all departments to restore the damaged infrastructure for smooth delivery of services and supplies.
Meanwhile, the minister also toured Belicharana, Bhagwati Nagar and other flood hit areas in the city outskirts to take stock of the damages. A team of revenue officials also accompanied the minister.
The minister asked the Revenue Department to expedite the assessment of the losses of private property in Belicharana and its neighbourhoods to ensure that the affected people get the compensation immediately.
The minister also directed for distribution of free ration, tents and other daily use items to the families whose houses have been completely damaged.