POONCH, AUGUST 6: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs Javed Ahmed Rana, today visited the landslide and flash flood-affected areas of Sarhoti Jabran in Poonch district to assess the situation on the ground and express solidarity with the affected families.
The Minister was accompanied by Sud Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Mendhar, Superintending Engineer, Hydraulic, Executive Engineer PWD (R&B) Mendhar, Executive Engineer PMGSY Mendhar, DFO soil conservation, Executive Engineer Jal Shakti (PHE) and other officers.
The Minister inspected the extensive damage caused by the recent incessant rains, landslides and flash floods, which have impacted the residential houses, schools, roads, public infrastructure and agricultural land. He interacted with the affected families, listened to their grievances and assured them that the government would extend all possible assistance for relief, rehabilitation and restoration.
Addressing the affected residents, Javed Rana described the disaster as deeply unfortunate and painful, saying that the government stands firmly with every affected family during this difficult time. He assured them that no effort would be spared to ensure timely relief and speedy restoration of essential services and damaged infrastructure affected by the unprecedented natural calamity.
The Minister said that the administration has been directed to ensure that all necessary relief measures reach the affected people without delay. He emphasized that safeguarding the lives and providing immediate assistance to those in distress remain the government’s highest priority.
Expressing his appreciation for the dedicated efforts of the district administration, disaster response agencies, Police, SDRF, Forest Department personnel, health workers, engineers, volunteers and local residents, the Minister said that their commitment and courage in responding to the crisis is highly commendable. “Our first responders and local volunteers have displayed exemplary dedication by working tirelessly under extremely challenging conditions to save lives and assist the affected families,” he said.
Javed Rana observed that while extreme weather events have become more frequent and intense, the government continues to strengthen its preparedness and response mechanisms to minimise loss of life and property. He said coordinated efforts of all departments have enabled swift relief operations despite difficult terrain and adverse weather conditions.
The Minister said that the immediate focus is on providing relief, restoring connectivity, ensuring uninterrupted supply of drinking water, electricity and other essential services besides facilitating rehabilitation of displaced families. He assured that the government will continue working in close coordination with the district administration and local communities to expedite restoration and long-term recovery efforts.
The officers accompanying the Minister briefed him on the overall situation arising from the heavy rainfall. They informed that continuous downpours had triggered landslides and flash floods in several parts of the district, causing widespread damage to roads, bridges, water supply infrastructure and other public assets.
They informed that relief measures have been initiated on a war footing and temporary shelters, wherever required, have been established. Essential commodities, including food, drinking water, medicines and other relief material, are being provided to the affected families while restoration of damaged infrastructure is being taken up on priority.
