Jammu/New Delhi, July 20: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday announced an ex gratia relief of Rs 6 lakh for the next of kin of each person who lost their life in the rain-related incidents in Rajouri and Poonch districts, while also chairing a high-level review meeting through video conference from New Delhi to assess restoration works, relief measures, and overall preparedness across Jammu and Kashmir.
Expressing profound grief over the tragic loss of lives caused by flash floods, landslides, and other rain-related incidents, the Chief Minister said that while no amount of financial assistance can compensate for the irreparable loss suffered by the affected families, the Government stands firmly with them during this difficult time. The relief package comprises Rs 4 lakh from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and an additional Rs 2 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF).
The meeting comprehensively reviewed the latest ground situation, including restoration of essential services, road connectivity, availability of food and other essential supplies, healthcare arrangements, relief operations, and the preparedness of all departments in view of continuing adverse weather conditions.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister was informed that restoration of power supply in Poonch district is progressing on a war footing and is expected to be completed by Tuesday evening. He directed the Power Development Department to ensure that restoration works are completed within the stipulated timeline and that any remaining issues are addressed without delay.
Stressing the importance of restoring connectivity at the earliest, the Chief Minister instructed concerned departments to expedite restoration works, particularly on roads critical for movement of people, relief operations, and essential services.
Emphasising the need for continued vigilance, the Chief Minister directed district administrations to maintain focused attention on vulnerable habitations and take all necessary measures to safeguard residents living in flood-prone and landslide-prone areas. He instructed officers to use historical flood data to identify high-risk locations along rivers and streams and ensure timely evacuation wherever needed.
He further ordered strict regulation of traffic movement on landslide and shooting-stone-prone stretches to minimise the risk of accidents and ensure public safety.
The Chief Minister directed the administration to ensure uninterrupted availability of food grains, medicines, drinking water, and other essential commodities in affected areas, and instructed that adequate stocks be maintained and advance distribution of rations be undertaken wherever continued rainfall may disrupt road connectivity.
Expressing concern over widespread waterlogging witnessed in several parts of Srinagar city following rainfall, the Chief Minister directed concerned departments, including the Srinagar Municipal Corporation, to adopt a proactive approach in preventing urban flooding. He instructed that men, machinery, and dewatering pumps be pre-positioned at identified vulnerable locations to ensure swift drainage of accumulated rainwater and restoration of normal public movement.
Reviewing the situation in Kashmir Division, the Divisional Commissioner informed that despite heavy rainfall, the overall situation remained under control and essential infrastructure, including roads and drinking water supply, continued to function normally. Migratory families residing in vulnerable areas had been shifted to safer locations.
Briefing on Jammu Division, the Divisional Commissioner stated that major road stretches damaged during previous rains have been restored, while work is continuing on a war footing to repair power transmission lines and restore drinking water supply, particularly in Poonch district. He informed that additional doctors, including gynaecologists, are being deployed to ensure uninterrupted healthcare services in remote areas. Relief centres providing food, drinking water, and medicines are fully operational, while the process for disbursement of the Chief Minister’s ex gratia relief has already commenced.
The Chief Minister directed all departments to strengthen inter-departmental coordination, closely monitor weather forecasts, and remain fully prepared to respond swiftly to any emerging situation. He instructed the Divisional Commissioners to submit detailed situation reports every six hours to the Department of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction.
The meeting was attended by Ministers Sakina Itoo and Satish Sharma, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Additional Chief Secretaries, Commissioner Secretaries, Divisional Commissioners of Jammu and Kashmir, Deputy Commissioners, and senior officers from key infrastructure departments and other concerned agencies.
