JAMMU: Minister for Housing, Horticulture and Culture, Youth Services and Sports Raman Bhalla today visited the Gorkha Nagar, Qasim Nagar, Bahu Fort, Kacca Talab and Pacca Talab of Bahu Fort, Karayni Talab, Doongian, Sainik Colony, Vidyata Nagar and other areas and took stock of the damages caused due to recent incessant rains and flash floods.
He was accompanied by Commissioner JMC Kiran Wattal besides officers of UEED, PHE, R&B and PDD and other concerned departments.
During his visit to different areas, Bhalla on spot gave direction to JMC to remove debris from lanes and drains of the affected localities and choked Nallahs for the convenience of the people.
The minister directed the local administration as well as police personnel to remain vigilant and stressed them to be at the beck and call of the people whenever required so that they don’t face any kind of inconvenience at this moment of trouble. He also asked for energetic extension and most effective rescue plan for saving the human lives and their property.
He issued directions to take measures for the safety of affected people who have taken shelter in schools and other places and provide food and other necessary items to them.
He directed the Commissioner JMC to immediately start the restoration work of damaged infrastructure of cremation Ground Gorkha Nagar.
At Sainik Colony, several people met the minister and projected problems with regard to supply of drinking water which was affected due to damage of transformer in the area due to heavy rainfall and flashflood. For the time being, the Minister asked the PHE officers to arrange g-set till the damaged transformer is not replaced to immediately restore the water supply in the area.
Bhalla asked the revenue officers to prepare the list of damages to private property of the people so that the relief under norms could be disbursed among the affected.
The minister called upon the people to avoid encroachment on Nallahs land adding that such practices are dangerous for their properties. He urged them to vacate land voluntarily for safety of their private property.
Bhalla also directed the revenue department to assess the losses on this account and submit report to the government immediately for providing relief to the flood hit families and temporary restoration of public infrastructure.
