Minister reviews relief measures in rain-affected areas of Poonch

Jammu and Kashmir Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, convened a meeting on Monday to review relief and rehabilitation measures being undertaken in the affected areas of Poonch district due to recent landslides.

The meeting was attended by Sub-Divisional Officers and senior officials from the concerned departments, who presented detailed on-ground reports highlighting the current situation in their respective areas.

A spokesperson said during the deliberations, the Minister was briefed about the damage to residential structures, road networks and public utilities in the landslide-prone zones.

Following a comprehensive review, the Minister issued a series of directives aimed at ensuring swift, coordinated and effective response measures by all the concerned departments.

He instructed the Revenue and line departments to immediately initiate a thorough assessment of damages, with special attention to loss of life, property, livestock and standing crops. He emphasised the need for assessments to be completed with accuracy and urgency to facilitate timely relief and compensation.

The Rural Development Department, Flood Control Department and Forest Department were directed to jointly undertake protection and mitigation measures in the vulnerable areas.

The Minister stressed the importance of immediate temporary rehabilitation and financial assistance in accordance with the disaster relief guidelines.

Meanwhile, in view of the constant rainfall and rising water levels, Poonch Deputy Commissioner Ashok Kumar Sharma along with SSP Shafket Hussain Bhat conducted an extensive visit to the flood-prone areas of the district to assess the ground situation and review preparedness measures.

Officials said the team visited SK Bridge, Mangnar Nallah and the stretch from Porani Poonch to Betar Nallah, where they took stock of the situation and instructed concerned departments to remain on high alert to ensure timely response and relief in case of any eventuality.

During the inspection, the Deputy Commissioner emphasised the importance of round-the-clock monitoring of vulnerable points and directed officers to keep men and machinery ready to meet any emergency situation. He appealed to the public to remain cautious and avoid unnecessary movement near rivers and nallahs during heavy rains.