Mendhar: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology, Environment and Tribal Affairs Javed Ahmed Rana on Thursday visited flood-affected areas of Mendhar in Poonch district to assess damage caused by recent heavy rains and flash floods and review relief, restoration and rehabilitation measures.
Accompanied by SDM Mendhar Imran Kataria and senior officers, the minister inspected the affected areas of Chajjla, Mankote, Dabraj, Balnoi, Bhatidhar and Salwah. He also interacted with affected families and local residents to assess their losses and hear their concerns.
Rana said the government would provide all possible assistance to affected families and prioritise the restoration of damaged infrastructure and rehabilitation measures. He said adequate resources would be mobilised to restore normalcy at the earliest.
Highlighting the need for long-term disaster mitigation, the minister stressed strengthening flood protection infrastructure, improving drainage systems, undertaking scientific slope stabilisation and enhancing disaster preparedness to reduce the impact of recurring natural calamities.
Later, Rana chaired a review meeting with senior officers of the district administration and line departments to assess the progress of relief and restoration work.
Officials briefed the minister on damage to public infrastructure, restoration of essential services, relief operations and the status of damage assessment.
The minister directed the departments to expedite restoration works, ensure timely assistance to affected families and maintain close coordination for the early restoration of normalcy.
He asked the district administration to process documents submitted by affected residents on priority so that eligible cases are considered for relief, compensation and rehabilitation under the prescribed norms.
Rana also directed the Irrigation and Flood Control Department to immediately repair breaches at vulnerable points along Mankote Nallah and other affected locations. He instructed the department to prepare detailed project reports (DPRs) for temporary restoration as well as permanent flood protection works.
He further directed the district administration and line departments to restore essential services without delay, expedite damage assessment and ensure relief reaches all affected households promptly.
