SRINAGAR : Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah on Thursday emphasised upon the administration to take all necessary measures to safeguard lives of people in the flood-hit areas. He directed for energetic, extensive and most effective rescue plan for saving the human lives underling this most important concern.
The Chief Minister reviewed the prevailing flood situation in the State at a high level meeting at Police Control Room here this morning.
Minister for PHE and Flood Control, Sham Lal Sharma, Minister of State Nazir Ahmad Gurezi, Divisional Commissioner, Inspector General of Police, Chief Engineer Irrigation and Flood Control, District Development Commissioner, Srinagar and various senior officers were present at the meeting.
The Divisional Commissioner and the Chief Engineer Irrigation and Flood Control presented brief to the Chief Minister on the rescue and relief plan put in place to meet the exigencies arising due to flood threat and incessant rains.
The Chief Minister was given details of the arrangements made to ensure safety of people. Deputy Commissioner stated that about 50 boats have been dispatched to South Kashmir from Srinagar for evacuation of people in the flood submerged areas. Another 100 boats are being procured for the purpose. The Deputy Commissioners of various districts have been asked to procure boats from their districts for keeping these available to the people in flood areas.
It was stated that over 5 lakh sand bags have been kept available at various places by the Flood Control Department for emergency utilisation. It was also informed that Zonal Flood Control Rooms have been established to keep people informed about the latest flood situation and be at their beck and call in hour of need.
Air Force has also been asked to keep air rescue plan in place for utilization. It was stated that various stranded people have been evacuated and population from the flood areas are being persuaded to move to the safer places.
The State Administration is on full alert to face eventualities and provide help to the people.
After holding the meeting the Chief Minister visited various flood submerged areas in Srinagar city. He visited Bones and Joints Hospital, Barzulla which is submerged under the flood water. He interacted with patients and doctors and asked the administration to take all steps for ensuring safety of the inmates besides helping de-watering of the hospital area.
The Chief Minister examined the Jhelum Bund and the flood discharge in river Jhelum at various places including Ram Munshi Bagh. He was told that the water level at Ram Munshi Bagh is over 21 meters while as it is 28.8 meters at Sangam. It was stated that the capacity of Wular Lake to take flood water has increased due to de-siltation and the Lake can take flood water for more two and a half days.
