Kandha’s lifeline: Airlifted ration brings relief to remote community

In a major relief to residents of Balichowki subdivision, the Civil Supplies Department has completed ration delivery for August across all fair price shops in the region, while distribution for September is already underway. Over 35 per cent of the stocks have been delivered and the remaining supply is expected to be completed by next week.

District Food and Civil Supplies Controller Bijender Singh Pathania said special efforts were made to ensure uninterrupted food supply in areas severely affected by natural disasters. The remote Kandha region, cut off and inaccessible even by foot, witnessed a determined administrative effort as ration was airlifted and transported via a cable span system.

On Tuesday, 10 quintals of rice, 24 quintals of wheat flour, 3.75 quintals of malka dal and 360 litres of refined oil were delivered to Kandha. A day earlier, 20 quintals had been supplied and another 25 quintals were dispatched today, ensuring food security for one of the worst-hit areas.

Pathania noted that as a precautionary measure, advance ration for June, July and August had already been delivered to several remote panchayats. Supplies for September are now being dispatched in phases. With major roads disrupted, the department resorted to mules, porters and alternative routes to reach fair price shops in Khawli, Thakadhar, Zufarkot, Ghat, Thachi, Khalwan, Mani-Basungi, Murah and Kau. Despite the hurdles, the supply of LPG cylinders has also remained uninterrupted.

“The resilience and proactive approach of the local administration ensured that even the most isolated areas continue to receive essential supplies,” Pathania said, reaffirming the government’s commitment to food security and welfare amidst natural calamities.