Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology, Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, today undertook an extensive tour of the flood-affected areas of Mendhar in Poonch district to assess the damage caused by the recent heavy rains and flash floods and review the ongoing relief, restoration and rehabilitation measures.
During his visit, the Minister was accompanied by SDM Mendhar, Imran Kataria and senior officers from various departments. He inspected the flood-affected areas of Chajjla, Mankote, Dabraj, Balnoi, Bhatidhar and Salwah to assess the damage caused by the recent flash floods.
He also interacted with the affected families and local residents to assess their losses and understand their immediate concerns and requirements. He assured the affected people that the government stands firmly with them during this difficult time and every possible assistance would be extended for their relief, rehabilitation and recovery.
“We are in this together. The recent floods have caused extensive damage to infrastructure and private property across the Pir Panjal region. The government stands firmly with every affected family and we will not rest until relief reaches everyone, damaged infrastructure is restored and normalcy is fully restored across Jammu and Kashmir," Rana maintained.
The Minister said that restoration of damaged infrastructure and rehabilitation of affected families is the government's top priority. He assured that adequate resources would be mobilised to restore normalcy at the earliest and rebuild the damaged public infrastructure.
The Minister observed that the devastation caused by the flash floods has highlighted the need for long-term planning to reduce the impact of such disasters. He stressed the importance of strengthening the flood protection infrastructure, improving drainage systems, undertaking scientific slope stabilisation, enhancing disaster preparedness and adopting sustainable mitigation measures to minimise the losses caused by recurring natural calamities.
During the visit, the local residents apprised the Minister of the extensive devastation and the immense losses suffered by the affected communities. "We stand shoulder to shoulder with the affected people in this hour of crisis. The administration is committed to ensure immediate relief, speedy restoration of damaged infrastructure and comprehensive rehabilitation of every affected family.
At the same time, we must work towards long-term measures that make our vulnerable regions more resilient against such disasters in the future," asserted the Minister.