Anantnag: Deputy Commissioner Anantnag Dr Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat on Thursday visited vulnerable riverside locations and flood-prone areas across the district to assess the situation following continuous rainfall and review preparedness measures.
The Deputy Commissioner inspected Mehndi Kadal, Danter Bridge, Ashajipora Bypass, Deva Colony, Rooh and Aang, accompanied by Additional Deputy Commissioner Dr Muzamil Maqbool Beig, Superintending Engineer, Hydraulics, Sareer Ahmad Wani, Superintending Engineer, PWD (R&B), Syed Ishfaq Ahmad, Assistant Commissioner Revenue Tariq Ahmad Malik and other senior officers.
During the visit, Bhat reviewed water levels in the Aripat, Bringi and Lidder nallahs and assessed measures taken by the Flood Control Department, Public Works Department, Revenue Department, Police, SDRF and other agencies to deal with any emergency.
He also inspected the dewatering station at Mehndi Kadal and directed officials to closely monitor water levels and operate pumps promptly to prevent waterlogging in the town.
Officials informed the Deputy Commissioner that dewatering pumps had been deployed at critical locations and waterlogging had been cleared from major areas, including KP Road, Janglat Mandi, Ganjiwara, the General Bus Stand, town interiors and other roadside stretches.
The administration also informed him that nomadic families, migrant labourers and other vulnerable residents had been shifted to evacuation centres at Brakpora, Hiller, Aang, Bijbehara and other safer locations. River embankments at breach-prone sites, including Batengoo, Mehndi Kadal, Deva Colony, Government Medical College Anantnag, Pushwara and Sagam, have also been strengthened using sandbags and EC bags.
The Deputy Commissioner directed all departments to remain on high alert and ensure coordinated deployment of Revenue, Police, SDRF, CRPF and civil administration teams at strategic locations to facilitate a swift response in case of an emergency. He also instructed officials to evacuate nomadic and labour communities residing near water bodies to designated relief shelters equipped with essential facilities.
Interacting with residents, Bhat appealed to the public to avoid venturing near rivers and streams, minimise unnecessary travel and strictly follow official advisories until weather conditions improve.
According to the district administration, the overall situation in Anantnag remains under control, with continuous monitoring of rainfall and water levels to ensure timely response and post-rain recovery measures.
