Amid continuous heavy rainfall over the past three days, Deputy Commissioner Ramban Mohammad Alyas Khan today conducted an on-the-spot inspection from Nashri to Ramsoo to assess the impact of the inclement weather and review the progress of restoration works being carried out by various executing agencies, particularly along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44).
The Deputy Commissioner was accompanied by Senior Superintendent of Police Arun Gupta, along with senior officers of the civil and police administration. He visited vulnerable stretches of the National Highway where restoration and debris clearance operations are being carried out by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
He reviewed the deployment of men and machinery and directed the executing agencies to expedite clearance works while ensuring the safety of the personnel engaged in restoration activities. The DC directed all departments concerned to maintain close coordination and ensure that vehicular movement on the National Highway resumes only after the Traffic Department issues the necessary clearance and travel advisory.
He appealed to commuters to strictly follow the advisories issued by the Police and Traffic authorities through official communication channels and to avoid non-essential travel until the weather improves and the highway is declared safe for traffic.
Reviewing the situation arising from the continuous rainfall and the rising water level in the Chenab river, local nallahs and streams, the Deputy Commissioner instructed the departments concerned to intensify public awareness campaigns and prevent people from venturing near water bodies. He urged citizens to stay away from rivers, nallahs and other vulnerable locations to avoid any untoward incident.
Taking stock of the restoration of internal roads and essential public services, the Deputy Commissioner directed the Public Works Department (PWD), Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) and Border Roads Organisation (BRO) to intensify restoration works by deploying adequate manpower and machinery for the early reopening of all blocked roads and the officers of Jammu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (JPDCL), Jal Shakti Department and other line departments to restore electricity supply, drinking water facilities and other essential services on priority.
Restoring road connectivity to the affected areas, he said, remains a priority to minimise public inconvenience and ensure the movement of essential services.