Inspects damaged infrastructure, directs speedy restoration; assures relief, rehabilitation of affected families
RAJOURI, AUGUST 06: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday undertook an extensive tour of flood-affected areas in Rajouri district to assess the damage caused by the recent devastating flash floods.
Reaffirming his Government’s commitment to the affected people, he assured them that every possible assistance would be extended to ensure timely relief, rehabilitation of families and restoration of infrastructure.
During the visit, the Chief Minister called on the family of Abdul Ghani, a Jal Shakti (PHE) daily-wage worker who lost his life after being swept away by flash floods while on night duty at a water supply pumping station in Kote Behrote, Thanamandi. Expressing his heartfelt condolences, he conveyed his sympathies to the bereaved family and assured them of the Government’s full support.
At the PWD Dak Bungalow, the Chief Minister met the family of Javed Iqbal, son of Sain Khan and a resident of Kandi Budhal Block; the family of Vikas Choudhary, a resident of Panchayat Bagla in Qila Darhal Block; the family of Shahida Parveen, wife of Abdul Rehman of Bhatian village; and Pinky Singh, wife of Bablu Singh, a resident of Sunderbani. He expressed profound grief over their losses, conveyed his condolences, and assured each family that the Government would stand by them during this difficult time.
The Chief Minister later inspected the damaged Circular Road in Rajouri, where nearly 200 metres of the road was washed away in the July 19 flash floods. He also visited the flood-hit Aitey area to assess the extensive damage to residential areas, public infrastructure and local connectivity. Directing the concerned departments to expedite restoration works, he instructed them to undertake necessary protective measures to safeguard vulnerable locations against future calamities.
The Chief Minister also visited the severely affected Bela Bus Stand, where he took a first-hand appraisal of the damage to the bus stand, adjoining public infrastructure and commercial establishments. Interacting with local residents and officials, he directed the district administration to ensure the early restoration of essential services and public infrastructure.
Reiterating the Government’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of the affected people, the Chief Minister said that rehabilitation of affected families and restoration of damaged infrastructure would be taken up on priority to facilitate an early return to normalcy in the district.
The Chief Minister also visited the office of the Deputy Commissioner, Rajouri, which was declared unsafe following the recent floods. He took stock of the damage caused to the building and assured that the Government would take appropriate measures to address the issue and ensure the smooth functioning of the district administration.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by MLA Rajouri Iftkhar Ahmed, MLA Budhal Javed Iqbal Choudhary, MLA Thanamandi Muzaffar Iqbal Khan, Additional Chief Secretary to the CM Dheeraj Gupta, Deputy Commissioner Rajouri Abhishek Sharma, SSP Rajouri Gaurav Sikarwar, ADDC Rajouri Malikzada Sheraz-ul-Haq and other senior civil and police officers during the visit.
