POONCH: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology and Environment, and Tribal Affairs Javed Ahmed Rana on Thursday visited the landslide and flash flood-affected areas of Sarhoti Jabran in Poonch district to assess the damage caused by recent heavy rains and assure affected families of government assistance.
Accompanied by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Mendhar, and senior officers from the Jal Shakti, Public Works (Roads and Buildings), Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), Soil Conservation and other departments, the minister inspected the affected areas and reviewed the relief and restoration measures underway.
During the visit, Rana assessed damage to residential houses, schools, roads, public infrastructure and agricultural land caused by incessant rainfall, landslides and flash floods. He interacted with affected residents, heard their grievances and assured them that the government would provide all possible assistance for relief, rehabilitation and restoration.
Addressing the affected families, the minister described the disaster as unfortunate and said the government stood with every family affected by the calamity. He said the administration had been directed to ensure that relief measures reached the affected people without delay and stressed that protecting lives and providing immediate assistance remained the government’s top priority.
Rana said efforts were underway to restore connectivity and ensure uninterrupted supply of drinking water, electricity and other essential services while facilitating the rehabilitation of displaced families. He added that the government would continue to work in coordination with the district administration and local communities to expedite restoration and long-term recovery.
The minister also appreciated the efforts of the district administration, Police, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Forest Department, health workers, engineers, volunteers and local residents involved in rescue and relief operations.
Officials informed the minister that continuous rainfall had triggered landslides and flash floods in several parts of the district, damaging roads, bridges, water supply infrastructure and other public assets. They said relief operations were underway, temporary shelters had been established where required, and essential supplies, including food, drinking water and medicines, were being provided to affected families while restoration of damaged infrastructure was being taken up on priority.