Conducts field visit to flood-affected areas
BUDGAM: An Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) deputed by the Union Government today visited district Budgam to assess the damages caused by recent flash floods, cloudbursts, and landslides
The team comprised Col. K.P. Singh, Joint Secretary & Advisor (Ops & Comm), NDMA; Ramavtar Meena, Director, MoRD; Shachi Jain, Director, Ministry of Jal Shakti, M&A Directorate, CWC Jammu; Navin Kumar Chaurasia, Regional Officer, MoRTH, Jammu; Dr. Vikrant Singh, Joint Director, Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare; Aarti Singh, Deputy Director, Ministry of Power and Mahesh Kumar, Deputy Directo,r Ministry of Finance.
During the visit, the IMCT members held a review meeting at the New Conference Hall of the DC Office Budgam, attended by Deputy Commissioner (DC) Budgam, Dr. Bilal Mohi-ud-Din Bhat; other senior officers of the district administration, engineers from key departments like PWD (R&B), Jal Shakti (PHE), Irrigation & Flood Control, KPDCL, PMGSY and senior officers of Health, Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal & Sheep Husbandry, FSC, and Revenue departments
During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner presented a detailed overview of the recent flood situation in the district.
During the meeting, it was informed that a 24×7 Control Room has been established for real-time monitoring and response. It was also informed that low-lying areas like B.K. Pora, Bemina, Shalina, Rakh Shalina, Baghi Shakurshah, Seerbagh, Summerbugh, and Zoonipora have been affected. It was also given out that infrastructural projects, roads, bridges, irrigation canals, and power supply lines have also sustained damage.
The meeting was also briefed about rescue and relief measures , including ration supply, potable drinking water through tankers, medical aid, and relocation of vulnerable families to designated rescue centres established by the district administration.
The DC Budgam also briefed the IMCT on gaps and challenges like shortage of inflatable boats, communication failures, Jhelum embankment stabilization issues, mining-related challenges, and backflow from the Flood Spill Channel in Bemina.
He further stressed on the way forward, which includes mapping of weak spots, embankment stabilization, regular dredging, setting up de-watering stations at Shalina, installation of early warning systems and rain gauges in upper reaches, and construction of gates on Bemina Nallah and Flood Spill-over Channel.
After the review meeting, the IMCT, accompanied by the DC Budgam and senior officers, including MLA Chadoora Ali Mohammad Dar, visited flood-affected areas in B.K. Pora block, inspecting protection works, dewatering points and restoration efforts. The team also interacted with residents to understand immediate needs and review restoration progress of Panzan bridge, Bus Adda Chadoora, Shalina area and others to make on-spot assessment of the damages and interact with the local population.
The IMCT directed that damage details be compiled department-wise for submission to Government of India.
The DC informed the team that the Budgam administration has already initiated both short-term restoration measures and long-term resilience planning.
The IMCT appreciated the efforts of the District Administration Budgam in relief and restoration works, and stated that the assessment report will be submitted to the Government of India for necessary support.
The IMCT assured that observations and recommendations of team members will be shared with the Government of India to ensure immediate relief as well as long-term resilience planning for the Budgam district.
