Minister for Revenue, Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation & Reconstruction, Syed Basharat Ahmed Bukhari accompanied by Minister for Rural Development & Panchayati Raj and Law & Order, Abdul Haq and Deputy Speaker Legislative Assembly, Nazir Ahmad Gurezi today took stock of post snowfall situation and relief measures undertaken by various departments for mitigating weather related problems in Gurez, Tulail and Machil areas in Bandipora district.The Ministers held meetings with district administration and civilian population for assessing damage and steps taken for ensuring safety and security of people residing in the snowbound areas.Taking stock of snow related damages, the Minister directed for proper relief and rehabilitation of people affected by recent storms especially in Gurez and Tulail areas which face high risk of snow avalanches. The meeting was informed that proper arrangements are in place for undertaking emergency rescue and evacuation with IAF and State Chopper making regular sorties to airlift patients.On the front of snow clearance, the Ministers directed for keeping functional all the major roads and emergency routes especially at upper reaches of avalanche prone areas.
For catering to day to day requirements of the people, the Ministers issued strict instructions for keeping adequate stocks of ration, kerosene oil and LPG cylinders available besides ensuring their timely distribution especially to the settlements in the upper reaches and far flung areas.Bukhari further directed safeguarding of power and water supplies to the storm hit areas. After assessing the damage caused to electricity distribution channel, he asked for immediate repair, restoration and replacement of necessary infrastructure and equipment.Taking stock of healthcare facilities, the Ministers directed maintenance of adequate medicine supply and proper heating arrangements besides ensuring regular attendance of medical personnel in government health institutions.Ministers directed the concerned for daily reporting of progress in work and submission of requirements well in time to avert unnecessary delays.The Ministers also extended personal condolences to the families who lost their members in a snow avalanche in the area recently.