To facilitate relief, J&K administration declares ‘heavy snowfall’ state-specific calamity

Jammu, January 10

Extending much needed relief to the people of snowbound areas, J&K Lt-Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday declared “heavy snowfall” as state specific natural calamity under State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) norms.

The L-G was chairing a meeting to take stock of the winter management, particularly, snow clearance efforts of the administration, with all deputy commissioners and senior superintendents of police of the Kashmir Division through virtual mode, at the Raj Bhavan here, an official spokesperson said.

“Heavy Snowfall” did not figure in the list of ‘natural calamities’ under the SDRF norms, due to which disbursement of relief and ex-gratia for the damages due to heavy snowfall was not possible for the Districts’ Disaster Management Authorities.

Now, processing of ex-gratia relief under the SDRF will become faster, thereby giving huge relief to the affected people living in snowbound areas, the spokesperson said. He said the L-G sought a detailed report on issues and problems faced by the people due to heavy snowfall and future course of action of the administration at all levels to overcome the challenges thereof. On being apprised about the shortage of small-rescue vehicles for the movement of people requiring medical assistance, particularly, in remote areas and areas having narrow lanes. — PTI

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