KATHUA, NOVEMBER 12: Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Sharma, along with senior functionaries of the District Administration Kathua today visited cloudburst hit Jodh village.
The cloudburst hit the village on August 17, claiming five lives and badly affecting the public infrastructure.
During the visit, the DC interacted with the local residents and gave a patient hearing to their grievances and demands. He said that the objective of the visit along with officers from different departments was to personally ascertain the ground realities and review measures taken to restore normalcy in the affected areas.
The DC informed that extensive damage was caused to vital public assets, many of which have been temporarily restored. He said that the crucial road connectivity from Ghatti to Suffain is being taken up under PMGSY, for which a project worth ₹12 crore has been approved. He directed the executing agencies to revisit the area and ensure timely restoration of connectivity to the unconnected peripheral habitations.
Responding to the issues raised by locals, the DC informed that the demand for allotment of 5 marlas of land to the affected families has been conveyed to the government and is under consideration. He further directed the concerned departments to ensure uninterrupted ration supply, upgradation of local schools, restoration of defunct water sources and improvement of drinking water supply and installation of additional protection crates to prevent future damage.
The DC appreciated the spirit of brotherhood and resilience shown by the local community during the testing times and urged them to continue maintaining unity and cooperation.
Earlier, Ex-BDC Chairperson Barnoti, Brijeshwar Singh, along with former PRI members and local residents, projected area-specific issues requiring administrative intervention.
Among others, ADDC Kathua, ADC, PO ICDS, ACR, ACD, CPO, and XENs of PWD, PHE, PDD, PMGSY, besides CAO, CAHO, CHO, Tehsildar, BDO, LDM, ALC and other officers were present during the visit.
