MENDHAR: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, convened a meeting today to review relief and rehabilitation measures being undertaken in the affected areas of Poonch district due to recent landslides.
The meeting was attended by Sub-Divisional Officers and senior officials from the concerned departments, who presented detailed on-ground reports highlighting the current situation in their respective areas.
During the deliberations, the Minister was briefed about the damage to residential structures, road networks and public utilities in the landslide-prone zones.
Following a comprehensive review, the Minister issued a series of directives aimed at ensuring swift, coordinated and effective response measures by all the concerned departments.
He instructed the Revenue and line departments to immediately initiate a thorough assessment of damages, with special attention to loss of life, property, livestock and standing crops. He emphasised the need for assessments to be completed with accuracy and urgency to facilitate timely relief and compensation.
The Rural Development Department, Flood Control Department and Forest Department were directed to jointly undertake protection and mitigation measures in the vulnerable areas.
The Minister stressed the importance of immediate temporary rehabilitation and financial assistance in accordance with the disaster relief guidelines.
To alleviate immediate suffering, the Minister ordered equitable distribution of essential relief materials, including food, clean drinking water, medicines, blankets and other basic necessities. He called for enhanced coordination among the civil administration, disaster management authorities and local voluntary organisations to strengthen relief efforts.
Reaffirming the Omar Abdullah Government’s commitment to the safety, rehabilitation and welfare of every affected citizen, the Minister called for a proactive, coordinated and people-centric approach from all departments. He assured that his office will closely monitor the situation until full restoration and rehabilitation are achieved.
