Multiple committees formed to assess damage in shelling-hit Poonch

Poonch: In the wake of the recent cross-border shelling in the district, the government has stepped up efforts to assess damages, provide immediate relief and begin the reconstruction process for affected families in Jammu and Kashmir.
An official said that a crucial meeting was held where a coordinated strategy was discussed to ensure that all affected areas, particularly along the border, receive the necessary attention and support.
“The district administration has formed Village Level Committees (VLCs) comprising officials from multiple departments, including Revenue, Rural Development, Animal and Sheep Husbandry, Public Health Engineering (PHE), and Public Works Department (PWD),” he said, adding that these committees will be responsible for conducting on-ground assessments to document the extent of damage caused by the shelling.
The damage will be categorised into three levels: full, severe, and partial, with each structure classified as private, commercial, or government-owned.
“To rebuild the affected areas, we must first conduct a thorough and accurate assessment. This will allow us to support the affected families in a transparent and timely manner,” said Deputy Commissioner (DC), Poonch, Vikas Kundal.
The DC called for swift action and directed all concerned departments to work in close collaboration to ensure that all losses are documented accurately and compensation is provided promptly.
The villagers have hailed the administration’s efforts and expressed gratitude for the government’s proactive approach.
Saleem Ahmad, a resident of Poonch, said, “The government is with us in our time of need. We are grateful for the relief materials and the assessment process that is underway. It gives us hope that life will return to normal soon.”
Hakeem Khan, a resident of Mendhar, said the administration’s quick response has given them a sense of security. “We are confident that the rebuilding process will begin soon, and we will get back to our lives without fear,” he said.
As part of the relief efforts, the DC Poonch personally distributed essential items to the victims of the shelling. The distribution included warm blankets, ration kits, and other household supplies to help families in the immediate aftermath of the crisis. Cash assistance was also provided to help meet the urgent needs of affected families.
“We have been working tirelessly to ensure that the relief reaches every affected family,” said Kundal. “This is just the beginning; our focus will remain on rebuilding homes, restoring livelihoods, and ensuring the safety of our residents.”
The district administration is making similar efforts in other areas and is coordinating with local helplines and field teams to address grievances in real time. It has planned follow-up meetings to expedite the response and tackle emerging challenges.
Residents expressed optimism about the future, believing that the swift action by the government would not only address immediate concerns but also ensure long-term stability and safety for those living along the Line of Control (LoC).
“We are confident that with the government’s help, we will overcome these challenges and rebuild stronger than before,” said Jafar Khan, a resident of the Balakote area.
Meanwhile, another official said 9,500 bunkers have already been constructed along the India-Pakistan border, with plans for additional bunkers to ensure the safety of border residents