Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has directed swift rescue and relief operations in Jammu and Kashmir following severe flooding caused by incessant rains.
SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha convened a high-level meeting on Wednesday to assess the ongoing rescue and relief efforts in Jammu and Kashmir, prompted by relentless rains and subsequent flash floods.
The meeting brought together key officials from the Union Territory, senior Army commanders, and representatives from various central agencies, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), Border Roads Organisation (BRO), National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), and telecom service providers.
During the meeting, Sinha emphasized the urgency of the situation, instructing officials to prioritize the safe evacuation of residents from low-lying and flood-affected areas. He underscored the critical need to restore essential services, including power, healthcare, drinking water, ration supplies, and telecommunications, as quickly as possible.
“Essential services disrupted in flood-hit areas must be restored without delay, and adequate stocks of food, medicines, and other supplies must be ensured in all affected districts,” Sinha stated.
The Lieutenant Governor directed the Power Development Department (PDD) to collaborate closely with NHPC Limited and Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL) to expedite the restoration of power infrastructure. He also called on the NHAI to provide full support to the Public Works Department (PWD) in repairing damaged roads and bridges throughout the Union Territory.
In addition, the Additional Chief Secretary for Jal Shakti was tasked with making alternative arrangements for safe drinking water in water-logged and remote areas until regular supply lines can be restored. The Health Department was instructed to prepare hospitals for a potential increase in patients, particularly those suffering from water-borne diseases.
Sinha further announced that non-essential government offices, schools, and colleges would remain closed until further notice. He mandated that all districts maintain 24/7 control rooms to assist individuals and families affected by the floods.
Emergency response teams were also ordered to be pre-positioned in vulnerable areas, ensuring they are equipped for immediate deployment.
<p“No officer or employee will be allowed to leave their station or take leave. The administration must remain on the ground to reach every household in distress,” the Lieutenant Governor directed.
In reviewing the ongoing efforts, Sinha commended the Army, Air Force, NDRF, CAPFs, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Police, and District Administrations for their prompt actions in rescuing and relocating individuals to safer locations, which helped minimize casualties.
The high-level meeting included Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo; Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, GOC-in-C Northern Command; NHAI Chairman Santosh Yadav; DGP Nalin Prabhat; Lt Gen Prashant Srivastava, GOC 15 Corps; Shaleen Kabra, ACS Jal Shakti; Dr. Mandeep K. Bhandari, Principal Secretary to the LG; senior Army and CAPF officials; Commissioners of Jammu and Kashmir divisions; and administrative secretaries from all departments.
Sinha assured attendees that he is personally monitoring the situation around the clock and is in close contact with both Union Territory and central agencies to ensure timely responses and relief measures are implemented effectively.
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