Announces ex-gratia for victims of landslides & floods, directs advance release of funds for relief, rehabilitation
Jammu: In the aftermath of heavy monsoon rains and flood situation in Jammu, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today conducted an extensive tour of the city to assess damages and oversee immediate relief measures, an official statement said.
It said that the Chief Minister visited the flood-affected areas in Jammu to take stock of the damage caused due to floods. He assessed the ground situation and issued directions to the administration to take all necessary steps to safeguard the lives of people in vulnerable areas.
Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar and Deputy Commissioner Rakesh Minhas briefed the Chief Minister on ongoing rescue operations, functioning of temporary shelters, supply logistics, and inter-departmental coordination.
The statement said that during his visit, the Chief Minister inspected 4th Tawi Bridge Bhagwati Nagar, Science College at Old Campus University, Hari Singh Park near Hotel Fortune Riviera and flood-hit areas of Gujjar Nagar Jammu. Chief Minister emphasized that the damaged end portion of the Fourth Tawi Bridge required immediate technical evaluation, recalling that the structure had suffered damage during the 2014 floods as well. He underlined the need for preventive measures to avert similar risks in the future.
On the issue of damaged houses, Omar Abdullah said rehabilitation must be planned in a holistic manner to ensure affected families receive adequate support. He directed officials to identify urgent on-ground challenges and resolve them on priority.
The Chief Minister also informed that he had briefed the Prime Minister about the flood situation who assured full support from the Government of India. Chief Minister apprised the Prime Minister about the areas worst hit due to floods in several areas of Jammu along the banks of Tawi river. Chief Minister expressed satisfaction on the assurance given by the Prime Minister and thanked him for promising continued assistance to the people of J&K in the wake of floods.
Expressing grief over the recent landslide in Katra, which claimed the lives of pilgrims, the Chief Minister noted that preventive measures should have been implemented beforehand to stop the pilgrims from proceeding on the route and holding them at safe locations in view of advance warnings about the severity of the weather. He resented loss of precious lives and conveyed condolences and regrets over the tragic loss of lives.
Chief Minister also gave directions to the BSNL and private telecom operators Jio Network & Airtel to immediately restore internet and telecom services in Jammu & Kashmir which has disrupted working and communication in J&K stressing that functioning of communication network is all the more important during times of crises and emergency.
Chief Minister also directed that all immediate steps be taken for restoring traffic on Srinagar Jammu National highway and Jammu- Pathankot Highway so that stranded vehicles are cleared and traffic is restored on priority.
Chief Minister gave directions to line departments to work on war footing for restoration of electricity, water supply and road access in all affected areas. The Chief Minister added that a comprehensive relief package for Jammu and Kashmir would soon be formulated in coming days.
Later, during his field visit, Omar Abdullah inspected several flood-affected areas and interacted with residents, assessed damages, and directed officials to expedite relief, ensure temporary arrangements, and restore essential services without delay.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister today announced an ex-gratia of Rs 6 lakh for the next of kin of those who lost their lives in the tragic landslide at Katra near Mata Vaishno Devi shrine – Rs 4.00 lakh from State Disaster Relief Fund and Rs 2.00 lakh per deceased person from Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. He also announced relief for victims of other flood-related incidents reported across Jammu and Kashmir over the past two days with compensation from State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and Rs 2 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.
An official spokesman said that CM also announced Rs 1 lakh for each person who sustained severe injuries and Rs 25,000 to 50,000 for those who suffered minor injuries in these incidents.
In order to ensure timely response and assistance, the CM has directed the advance placement of Rs 10 crore with each Deputy Commissioners in Jammu and Kashmir of affected districts, said the spokesman, adding, the funds will be utilized to meet immediate requirements of relief, rehabilitation and restoration in the affected areas.
He also expressed solidarity with the bereaved families and assured that all possible support will be extended by the government to the victims of these natural calamities, the spokesman further said.
