Excelsior Correspondent
POONCH, Sept 19: Minister for Planning and Development, Labour and Employment, Ajay Sadhotra today visited flood affected areas of Poonch to take stock of the damages caused by the incessant rains and flash floods.
Sadhotra took stock of the damaged Sher-e-Kashmir Bridge and the adjoining residential area of Shanker Nagar that has been washed away. He also visited Khari and Chakkan-da-Bagh along the LoC.
Later, Sadhotra chaired a meeting of district officers in the conference hall of the DC office complex wherein, District Development Commissioner, M H Malik presented in details the damages caused by the flash floods and incessant rains. He informed the Minister that as many as 26 human lives have been lost while 65 persons have been injured in the flood affected areas of the district. He was informed that 20 dead bodies have been recovered from various locations along the course of the river. He was also told about the devastation in the villages as a result of the landslides and huge damage caused to private property, houses, crops, cattle and public infrastructure including roads, bridges, schools, water supply schemes and power installations. The Minister also received brief on the rescue and relief operation in the district.
Sadhotra directed the officers to work on war footing to restore the essential services. He directed the XEn PDD to ensure that power supply to all the hamlets in the district is restored. He appreciated OC, BRO for restoring all the 32 damaged roads within a week time. The CMO was directed to organize regular medical camps in rural areas of the district. He asked the AD, CAPD to ensure availability of essential commodities to the affected people. He asked the DDC to ensure food, blankets and other items of requirement to the flood-hit families. He also asked the DDC to project the demand for complete restoration of the damaged infrastructure and relief material like tents, blankets etc.
Sadhotra complimented the district administration for proactively and efficiently handling the crisis and assured all the help for rehabilitation and restoration. He impressed upon the officers to discharge their duty with utmost commitment and dedication. He said that the Government is committed to restore all the damaged public infrastructure and provide adequate relief to the affected people.
MLA, Haveli, Ajaz Jan and MLC, Devinder Singh Rana also accompanied the Minister.
Follow our WhatsApp channel