Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Choudhary, today visited Poonch and chaired a high-level review meeting with senior district and sectoral officers to assess the prevailing flood situation, relief and rehabilitation measures, and restoration of essential services in the flood-affected areas of the district. The meeting was attended by Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Science & Technology, Satish Sharma, MLA Haveli Ajaz Ahmed Jan, MLA Surankote, Choudhary Akram, District Development Commissioner Poonch,Ashok Kumar Sharma, besides senior district and sectoral officers. The Director, PMGSY, and other senior officers participated in the meeting through virtual mode.
The meeting focused on reviewing flood preparedness, relief and rehabilitation measures, restoration of damaged infrastructure and the overall situation in areas affected by recent heavy rains and flash floods. During the meeting, the Deputy Chief Minister reviewed the functioning and preparedness of various departments, including PWD (R&B), Jal Shakti, Health, JPDCL, Irrigation & Flood Control, Food & Civil Supplies, Disaster Management, Education, Agriculture, Horticulture, PMGSY, Animal and Sheep Husbandry.
The District Development Commissioner, Poonch, briefed the Deputy Chief Minister about the arrangements made by the district administration for the establishment of relief camps, accommodation of affected persons and availability of essential supplies. He also apprised the meeting about the extent of damage to roads and bridges, water supply schemes, power feeders, irrigation khuls, school buildings, residential houses, agricultural and other land, besides the restoration measures being undertaken by various departments.
Surinder Choudhary appreciated the efforts of the Deputy Commissioner and the district administration teams in managing the situation arising out of the recent flash floods.He directed the District Development Commissioner and all concerned departments to work with utmost dedication and ensure that the public does not face any inconvenience.
He stressed upon providing the best possible services to the people and ensuring speedy restoration of essential infrastructure. The Deputy Chief Minister directed the concerned agencies to undertake restoration works on priority, ensure proper maintenance of roads, fill potholes and ensure an effective drainage system.
He emphasized strict adherence to quality standards and timelines in all developmental and restoration works. Satish Sharma assured the affected people of all possible support from the Government and directed the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) to ensure proper maintenance and restoration of roads.
He also expressed solidarity with the families who lost their loved ones in the recent flash floods and conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families. MLA Haveli raised various issues related to damaged roads and apprised the Deputy Chief Minister of the extent of damage in his constituency.
MLA Surankote called for immediate temporary restoration of affected areas and enhancement of compensation for the affected people. The Deputy Chief Minister reiterated that all departments must work with dedication, coordination and a sense of urgency to ensure timely relief, restoration and rehabilitation, while safeguarding the interests of the people affected by the recent natural calamity.