JAMMU: Financial Commissioner (Additional Chief Secretary), Agriculture Production Department (AHD), Shailender Kumar, conducted an exhaustive visit to Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology (SKUAST), Chatha Campus, Jammu, following the devastating flash floods that occurred on 26th August, 2025.
During the visit, the Additional Chief Secretary reviewed the extent of damage to the academic, research and allied infrastructure. He interacted with the university authorities, faculty members and students. He issued critical directives aimed at enhancing the institutional resilience against future calamities.
The University was advised to engage the Irrigation and Flood Control Department for a long-term structural solution to the recurring flash floods from Ballol Nallah and its tributaries. Emphasis was placed on a thorough hydrological study to identify high-risk overflow zones. It was further directed that SKUAST-Jammu may engage a nationally reputed consultant through IIT Jammu to design an integrated flood mitigation plan, with expenses to be met from university funds.
While interacting with the hostel boarders, the Additional Chief Secretary, accompanied by Vice Chancellor Professor B.N. Tripathi and senior university officers, advised the students to maintain calm and adhere to hygiene protocols in the hostel and campus premises. He directed the university authorities to ensure the provision of safe and nutritious food. He assured the students that academic continuity would be maintained through online classes. The syllabus for the current semester shall be completed within the notified timeline to avoid any academic loss, he added.
The Additional Chief Secretary reiterated the government’s commitment towards supporting the University in both immediate restoration and long-term infrastructural strengthening.
Subsequently, the Additional Chief Secretary chaired a high-level review meeting at the Directorate of Animal Husbandry, Talab Tillo, Jammu, to assess the flood damages in the Animal, Sheep and Fisheries sectors of Jammu Division.
Recognising the severity of the recent cloudbursts and associated flooding, he directed the concerned departments to conduct rapid yet detailed surveys for assessing actual losses, including livestock casualties and infrastructural damage, to facilitate timely compensation to the affected stakeholders as per government guidelines.
The review also covered physical and financial progress recorded under key schemes like HADP, CAPEX, NABARD and CSSs.
