JAMMU: In a Public Interest Litigation filed by two practicing advocates namely Ajay Bakshi and Tariq Rasool Wani highlighting the inaction of the Government to deal with the situation caused by the unprecedented floods in the State of Jammu and Kashmir, especially in Jammu region.
In the PIL, Advocate Ajay Pal Singh stated that the districts of Jammu, Rajouri, Poonch and Reasi, were the worst affected by the floods leading to the loss of life, property, live stock etc. It was urged that no help in the shape of cash assistance, medicines, food and clothing has been provided to those who have severely suffered on account of these floods.
It was further urged that despite having received enormous amount of money from the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund and despite a lapse of more than ten days, the State had not risen to the occasion to deal with the miserable conditions which the people were living in, in these areas. The details have been given in the petition, although tentative, regarding the number of houses those have collapsed, lives lost and the damage to the property caused on account of these floods in the Jammu, Rajouri, Poonch and Reasi.
During the course of arguments, Advocate Ajay Pal Singh also expressed apprehension regarding the pilferage that might take place while disbursal of cash assistance in favour of those who have suffered. It was further urged that the assistance should be released only through the nearest scheduled banks/Gramin banks.
A Division Bench of State High Court Comprising Justice Virender Singh and Justice Dhiraj Singh Thakur after hearing both sides, issued notice to Chief Secretary, Commissioner/Secretary Revenue Relief & Rehabilitation, Commissioner/Secretary PHE, Irrigation & Flood Control, Divisional Commissioner Jammu, concerned Deputy Commissioners, notices waived by Sr. Additional Advocate General Gagan Basotra.
Division Bench further directed that by the next date of hearing, Sr. AAG Gagan Basotra, shall file an affidavit stating therein the steps taken by the State in providing the relief to those affected by the devastation caused by floods in the aforementioned four districts, in the shape of cash assistance, food, shelter, clothing and medical treatment. JNF
