KATRA: Divisional Commissioner, Jammu Shantmanu on Tuesday convened a high level meeting at Katra and reviewed the relief operation and restoration works being executed in the wake of recent floods and incessant rains in Udhampur and Reasi.
Divisional Commissioner directed the concerned departments to step up efforts for early restoration of essential services besides prioritising repair of vital utilities. He stressed on coordination among various departments to ensure that the relief material is distributed among the affected population in time.
District Development Commissioner, Udhampur Yasha Mudgal gave an overview of the restoration and relief measures taken by the district administration to save the lives, property and evacuate people from the flood and landslide areas. The DDC apprised the meeting that 26 dead bodies have been surfaced in Sadal village so far, all possible relief and rehabilitation measures are being carried out on war footing besides, the affected people are being provided relief material. She also informed that the arrangements for issue of one month free ration to the flood victims have already been made and the same would be distributed very soon.
District Development Commissioner, Reasi Shabir Ahmed Bhat apprised that Rs 62 lakh have been distributed in the district among the flood victims till date, which mainly include Rs 75,000 to each affected on account of complete damage to their houses. It also includes Rs. 1, 50,000 given to the so far confirmed death case due to the flood. Places especially Chassana and Dera Bawa which were the most affected areas were the first to receive the relief money immediately after the flood. He further informed the meeting that restoration works are apace on war footing and efforts are on to restore the vital road links.
Taking review of PHE supply, it was informed that despite major damages to some of the important water supply schemes, the department has restored 85 per cent of water supply in Reasi. It was further informed that the tankers have been pressed into service to provide relief to the people.
The Divisional Commissioner directed DDCs to identify the land for rehabilitation of the affected families at the earliest. He also directed the DDCs to instruct the CAPD officials to visit the ration depots and ascertain the status of supply of ration to the people.
The meeting was attended by Yasha Mudgal – DDC Udhampur, Shabir Ahmad Bhat –DDC Reasi, Tilak Raj Shastri ACR Reasi, Anil Chandel SDM Katra besides other senior officers of various departments.
