Chief Secretary, B R Sharma Thursday afternoon held a video conference with the Divisional and District Administration, Kashmir to review the situation arisen due to incessant rains that have lashed the Kashmir Valley during past few days. Chief Secretary received brief from Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir and Deputy Commissioners regarding weather and water level situation in River Jhelum and Tributaries and the ground level preparedness and contingency plan including setting up of control rooms and helpline numbers. It was informed that no breach in Jhelum or in the flood spill channel has been reported so far and administration has kept ready sand bags to raise and fortify embankments. He said during last few days, heavy rains have led to increase in the discharge of rivers and rivulets and these are being monitored hourly.Chief Secretary urged the administration to keeping track of the water levels along the entire course of River Jhelum and also its tributaries.
“Till weather improves, patrolling by the Police and Civil Administration along the River Bank should be ensured, so that prompt action is taken to meet any eventuality. Moreover, extra vigil should be maintained at critical points along the River” Chief Secretary stressed.He called upon the Divisional Administration to keep the public informed about the latest weather bulletins on hourly basis through media, so that they are kept informed about the situation. Instructions were also given regarding facilitating rapid mobilization of boats to rescue and evacuate people in case any area gets flooded or inundated. “While weather reports so far predict that weather is going to improve by tomorrow, however, We have to be ready and fully geared up to meet any eventuality”, Chief Secretary said.With many areas in various Districts reporting inundation including the Srinagar City, Chief Secretary directed ensuring that people don’t face any difficulty and all pumping stations are pressed into service to drain out water from these areas. He also called upon the DCs to set up relief camps at identified locations, supplied with adequate quantity of ration, water, fuel, blankets and other necessary item to meet any eventuality.Divisional Commissioner also briefed the Chief Secretary about the situation in regard to Electricity, availability of LPG, Petrol, Diesel, K-oil and Ration.