STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: Sham Lal Sharma, MLA Jammu North, conducted a detailed tour of Panchayat Keran and Panchayat Kanger, two of the worst-affected areas following the recent spell of heavy rainfall.
These villages have witnessed large-scale land sliding and land sinking, causing severe damage to residential houses, agricultural land, and basic infrastructure.
The visit was aimed at closely assessing the situation and ensuring that urgent relief measures are delivered on time.
During the tour, Sharma personally interacted with local residents and inspected the damaged sites. He observed that many families had lost their homes or suffered major structural damages, forcing them to live in vulnerable conditions.
Expressing concern over the plight of the affected people, Sharma urged the administration to immediately provide temporary shelters, tents, and other essential facilities, ensuring that no displaced family is left without basic support.
Sharma further directed the officials on the ground to carry out a comprehensive evaluation of the damages caused by the calamity. He instructed them to expedite the relief and rehabilitation process with utmost priority, stressing that the entire operation must be swift, well-coordinated, and people-centric.
He assured residents that timely assistance would be provided to restore a sense of safety and normalcy in their lives.
Highlighting the seriousness of the situation, the MLA called for immediate stabilization and healing of the affected land in Panchayat Keran and Kanger to prevent further damage. He pointed out that unchecked land sliding and sinking could pose long-term risks to the region, threatening both lives and livelihoods.
Sharma also emphasized the urgent need for clearing debris, restoring road connectivity, and resuming essential services such as water and electricity without any delay.
In addition to the landslide-hit areas, Sharma also visited sites damaged by flash floods. His inspection covered key affected locations, including the cremation ground near Ring Road in Panchayat Bhalwal Upper-A and Mohalla Darkhli in Ward No. 6, Bhalwal Upper-B, where infrastructure and public facilities were badly impacted. He assured that these damages too would be addressed on priority.
The MLA was accompanied by senior officers and prominent local representatives who pledged full support in tackling the crisis. Among them were Tehsildar Bhalwal, Monika Sharma (BDO Bhalwal), Dr. Sunil Sharma (AEE Jal Shakti), Rohit Wadhera (AEE Flood Control), M.P. Singh (AEE), Sandeep Singh Katoch (SHO Gharota), Ex-BJP District President Sukhdev Singh, Mandal President Rohit Verma, Mandal General Secretary Charanjeet Singh, Rajnesh Sharma, Ex-Sarpanch Narinder Singh, Asgar Ali, and Mohd. Ameen. Their presence reflected the seriousness with which the administration and party leadership are approaching the issue.
Concluding his visit, Sham Lal reaffirmed his commitment to stand by the affected families during this challenging period. He assured that all relevant government departments would work in close coordination to ensure speedy relief, proper rehabilitation, and long-term safety measures for the residents. Expressing solidarity with the people of his constituency, he emphasized that their safety, welfare, and livelihoods will remain his highest priority until normalcy is fully restored.