Sanjeev Pargal
JAMMU, Sept 11: Minister of State in Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Dr Jitendra Singh reviewed flood situation in Kashmir Valley in two meetings with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, presiding over the meeting of National Defence Response Force (NDRF), conducted survey of flood hit areas by air and boat and visited relief camps set up by the BSF in Srinagar today.
Dr Singh said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already promised “unlimited help” to the State Government for relief and rescue operations He announced that the Centre has fixed Rs 2800 air fare of all airlines including private from Srinagar to Delhi and directed them to carry the trapped tourists or other civilians even free of cost if they have no money or charge money from them after they reach their destinations. He also asked the Railways authorities to carry trapped passengers free of cost if they have no money and directed administration in Kashmir to restore Baramulla-Banihal rail link immediately as water has receded on railway track as it would help some of the people.
Dr Jitendra announced that a special chemical is being airlifted from Gujarat to destroy corpse of animals, which have died in the floods, so that epidemic didn’t spread after flood water recedes in Srinagar.
The MoS in the PMO announced that a team of Secretaries from the Government of India headed by Union Home Secretary Anil Goswami has been camping in Kashmir to co-ordinate with the authorities for restoration of essential supplies in the Valley including power, water, communication and road connectivity etc.
In his two meetings with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah-first in the morning and second in the evening, Dr Singh said the Prime Minister in a meeting last night in New Delhi has made it clear that the funds were “no limits” for carrying out rescue and relief operations in Jammu and Kashmir.
He was responding to Omar’s demand for liberal assistance from the Centre to carry out relief and rescue operation and rebuild damaged infrastructure in the floods.
Omar and Singh reviewed the relief and rescue measures undertaken by Army, Indian Air Force (IAF) and other agencies.
Dr Singh wanted the State Government to arrange more godowns saying the para-military forces and voluntary agencies were ready to provide large scale fresh food for the flood victims. He suggested utilization of water pumps to drain out water where the water level has receded.
The Union Minister presided over the NDRF meeting at Badami Bagh Cantonment, which among others was attended by GOC 15 Corps Lt Gen Subroto Saha, NDRF Director OP Singh, Joint Secretary GUV Sarma, IG BSF and senior officers of Disaster Management agencies, Army, BRO, para-military forces, Health Department and Railways authorities etc.
Dr Singh directed for utilizing all resources at the command of these agencies to restore communication system and other essential services at the earliest. The representatives of various agencies told the Union Minister that BSNL landline services have been restored in several areas while mobile connectivity of BSNL and Airtel were being restored in a phased manner. He asked the Railways to restore Baramulla-Banihal rail link at the earliest.
The meeting was told that Power Grid was working on war footing to restore electricity supply in the Valley.
Immediately on his arrival in Srinagar, Jitendra visited `Rain Basera’ relief camp set up by the BSF near Airport and interacted with the people staying there, mostly the labourers from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
The people were highly appreciative of the role played by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Army, BSF and other Central agencies in rescuing them from flood waters and providing food in the camp.
Dr Singh declared that the forces wouldn’t rest till the last person is rescued to safety.
He said 300 doctors have been sent to Kashmir from New Delhi, who have opened up dispensaries to treat the persons suffering from ailments and were unable to get medicare in local hospitals due to floods. The BSF has also set up make shift toilets at the camp to maintain hygiene.
In his address to the people at the camp, Dr Singh lauded Army and BSF saying they were not only dealing with enemy on the borders but have also come to the rescue of the people during natural calamity.
The Union Minister conducted survey of flood affected areas of Batmaloo, Batwara and Sonawar by boat and met the stranded people to know their problems. He assured them of all help from the Central Government. Later, he conducted aerial survey of Pampore and Awantipora.
Dr Singh declared that all 300 NIT students, who had proceeded to Leh from Srinagar, were today airlifted to Chandigarh and New Delhi free of cost on the directions of the Prime Minister.
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