Deputy Commissioner Ramban Mohammad Alyas Khan today chaired a high-level review meeting to assess progress of restoration works, availability of essential services and supplies and preparedness of departments to deal with weather-related and other emergencies. The Deputy Commissioner stressed seamless inter-departmental coordination, prompt restoration of essential services and continuous field monitoring to minimise public inconvenience and safeguard lives and property during the ongoing monsoon season.
Reviewing restoration works, the Deputy Commissioner directed NHAI to ensure NH-44 remains traffic-worthy from Nashri to Banihal by deploying adequate manpower and machinery at vulnerable locations for immediate clearance of landslides, mudslides and debris and instructed PWD, PMGSY and BRO to expedite restoration of traffic on affected roads under their respective jurisdictions and keep men and machinery ready to respond swiftly to any disruption.
Taking an area-wise review, the Deputy Commissioner directed all SDMs and Tehsildars to remain in the field, closely monitor the situation, supervise restoration works and maintain constant coordination with field agencies to ensure prompt response to any emergency. He instructed the Chief Medical Officer to ensure uninterrupted healthcare services and keep medical teams, ambulances and essential medicines ready to tackle any health-related emergency.
The Chief Education Officer was directed to conduct safety audits of all government and private schools before they reopen after summer vacation, the Executive Engineer, Jal Shakti to ensure regular monitoring of drinking water quality and take preventive measures against contamination during the rainy season and the Chief Agriculture Officer, Chief Animal Husbandry Officer and District Sheep Husbandry Officer to assess losses, if any, extend timely assistance to affected farmers and livestock owners and ensure availability of essential agricultural and veterinary services.
The Deputy Commissioner further directed SDMs, Tehsildars and officers concerned to remain alert, ensure immediate response to public grievances, submit timely situation reports and maintain close coordination with the District Control Room. SSP Ramban Arun Gupta advised departments concerned to ensure that workers and machine operators engaged in restoration works are equipped with proper safety gear and that prescribed safety protocols are strictly followed in vulnerable and landslide-prone areas.
Among those present were ACR Shokat Hayat Mattoo, CPO Dr Shakeeb Ahmed Rather, Executive Engineers of PWD, PMGSY, Jal Shakti and JPDCL, representatives of NHAI, Chief Medical Officer, Chief Education Officer, Executive Officer Municipal Council Ramban, Chief Agriculture Officer, Chief Animal Husbandry Officer, District Sheep Husbandry Officer, Tehsildars and officers from various line departments.