District Development Commissioner Poonch Ashok Kumar Sharma today conducted an extensive tour of various flood-affected areas of Poonch to assess the damage caused by recent flash floods and to review ongoing restoration and preventive measures.
During the visit, Superintending Engineer (Hydraulic) Vipan Kumar, Tehsildar Haveli Azhar Majid along with other concerned officers were present.The DDC also interacted with the public, listened to their grievances and assured them of early restoration and relief measures.
The DDC inspected JCB machines engaged a day earlier to channelise the river flow into its proper course and directed the Superintending Engineer (Hydraulic) to ensure that the work is carried out effectively to prevent further damage and safeguard public safety.
He also inspected the protection bund damaged in the riverbed during the recent floods. He directed the concerned Executive Engineer (Hydraulic) to expedite restoration work and complete it at the earliest. He further stressed the need for proper management of the river course to prevent recurrence of flood-related damage.
The DDC also visited the SK Bridge, Bainch-Khanetar-Kalai, Chandak riverbed and inspected ongoing protection works. He issued strict directions that no unauthorised or illegal construction activity should be permitted along the riverbed. He directed the concerned officers to take stringent action against any violations and ensure strict enforcement of regulations in the area.
During the inspection, the DDC took strict action against illegal mining activities and seized a JCB machine and tractors found engaged in illegal mining at the spot. He directed the concerned authorities, including the Tehsildar Haveli, to initiate strict legal action and register FIRs against those involved in the illegal activity.
The DDC further visited the Power Grid Station at Chandak and reviewed the impact of recent flooding on the facility. He directed the concerned Executive Engineer (Hydraulic) to take immediate measures to strengthen the protection infrastructure around the station, including the construction of protection walls and crate works along the riverside, to prevent similar damage in the future.
The DDC directed all concerned officers to ensure timely completion of restoration and protection works and to maintain strict vigil against illegal mining and unauthorised construction along riverbeds, with public safety and the protection of vital infrastructure accorded the highest priority.