Srinagar : Jammu and Kashmir Ministers Javed Ahmed Rana and Satish Sharma on Wednesday visited flood-affected areas of Rajouri district to assess the damage caused by recent flash floods and directed officials to expedite restoration of essential services and ensure timely relief to affected families.
Accompanied by local legislators and senior officials, the ministers visited the worst-hit areas, including Bela Colony and Darhali, where flash floods triggered by incessant rainfall damaged houses, roads, flood protection works, drinking water schemes and other public infrastructure.
The ministers interacted with affected residents and reviewed relief, rescue and restoration measures being undertaken by the district administration.
Javed Rana said the flash floods had caused widespread damage to roads, water supply systems, electricity infrastructure, irrigation schemes and residential houses, while several rural areas had been cut off due to damaged connectivity.
He directed the district administration and line departments to restore drinking water supply, road connectivity and other public utilities on a war footing and complete a time-bound assessment of damage to public and private property to facilitate early disbursement of relief and compensation.
Rana also instructed the Power Development Department to restore electricity at the earliest, saying prolonged power outages were affecting water supply schemes in the affected areas.
Assuring full government support, the ministers said the Omar Abdullah-led government stands firmly with the affected families and will ensure timely relief, rehabilitation and restoration of normalcy.
Satish Sharma said all departments have been asked to work in close coordination so that assistance reaches every deserving household without delay.
The ministers also appealed to people to follow weather advisories and avoid visiting flood-prone areas until conditions improve.
