‘Visits Zero bridge, takes stock of flood management’
Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, July 9: Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha held a meeting with senior administrative, police and Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board officials to review the arrangements for pilgrimage and restoration of National Highway stretch that was affected by incessant rain.
Secretary, Public Works (R&B) informed the Lt Governor that the restoration work of the damaged stretch at Panthyal Ramban is being carried out on war-footing.
The Lt Governor directed that necessary men and material should be stationed at key locations for timely actions and maintenance of roads. He also directed officials to continuously monitor the situation and take necessary steps without any delay. The meeting also discussed the utilization of Mughal road and other alternative roads for the traffic movement.
“J&K administration is coordinating with Union Ministry of Road, Transport & Highways and NHAI on early restoration of damaged stretch. Pilgrims and Public should be informed about weather condition and status of yatra on real time basis,” Sinha said.
He directed the officials to ensure every possible assistance, lodging, food arrangements for pilgrims and optimum utilization of major camps and enhancement of medical facilities for pilgrims.
Holding capacity in Kashmir Division should be increased for devotees returning after darshan in view of the closed National Highway. Holding area at Kathua should be utilized to optimum as it is the entry point to J&K. We should increase the capacity and facilities at health centres at both the divisions,” the Lt Governor directed the officials.
He appreciated the extraordinary efforts of J&K Police, Army, CAPFs, civil administration, Camp Directors, SASB officials and all stakeholder departments and agencies to restore the arrangements and ensuring best possible facilities despite severe challenges due to bad weather.
Dr Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, CEO Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board briefed the LG that the Mountain Rescue Teams have been deployed on the tracks to facilitate the pilgrims and all the stakeholders and Yatra Nodal Officers are working round the clock for smooth arrangements.
Dr Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary; RK Goyal, ACS Home; Dilbag Singh, DGP; RR Swain, Special DG CID; Administrative Secretaries; Divisional Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners; senior officers of civil administration, Police, and SASB; Camp Directors; Nodal officers and other concerned officials attended the meeting.
Earlier in the day, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today visited Zero bridge and reviewed the overall preparedness for flood management.
Interacting with officials of Irrigation & Flood Control Department, Sinha directed for continuous monitoring of water levels and dissemination of early warning to all agencies in real time.
Chief Engineer, Irrigation and Flood Control briefed the Lt Governor that appropriate measures has been taken by all concerned stakeholders to respond to emergent situation.
The I&FC Department has installed five automatic Water Level Recorders installed on River Jhelum and nine on its tributaries to monitor the water levels on real time basis. The water levels are analysed and disseminated to all stakeholders.
The Lt Governor was apprised that as of now flood situation has been averted, water level at Sangam has receded and situation is under control.
He also enquired about the progress of PMDP-Phase (II) works and instructed the Department to expedite the flood management works especially on Flood Spill Channel so that life and property of public can be safeguarded.
The Lt Governor was accompanied by Dr Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lt Governor; Vijay Kumar, ADGP Kashmir; Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Mohammad Aijaz, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar and other senior officers.
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