‘Will help take pre-emptive measures’
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 24: Union Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Dr Jitendra Singh today said a national mission has been set up to study cloudbursts in the Himalayan States/UT including Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
Speaking after attending high-level review meeting chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at Raj Bhawan here on Chashoti cloudburst tragedy of August 14, Dr Jitendra Singh said while it can’t be predicted when and where the cloudburst will occur, a mechanism is being developed for forewarning the people about areas prone to such threats.
“The National Mission has been set up to study various factors pertaining to cloudbursts especially in the Himalayan States like Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. The Mission will alert the people and administration in the areas where cloudbursts can take place so that pre-emptive measures are taken accordingly,’’ the Union Minister who also holds charge of Science and Technology and Earth Sciences said.
Dr Jitendra Singh, who is Lok Sabha Member from Udhampur-Kathua-Doda constituency where two back-to-back cloudburst tragedies took place leading to death of 72 people, injuries to over 100 others while 32 are still missing, said the type of moisture in air and rains can also help in the studies of cloudbursts.
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A National Mission has been launched to study Himalayan Ecosystem Sustainability, he said, adding this will go a long way in helping the people living in cloudburst and flood-prone areas.
“Besides, this will also alert and guide the administration concerned,’’ he said.
Dr Jitendra Singh said an Air Quality Study Centre has already been set up at Natha Top.
The Minister, who is also in-charge of IMD (Indian Metrology Department), said a Regional Centre for IMD for Jammu province to be based at Jammu for upgrading and precise weather forecasting system, is also being set up.
The Union Minister had earlier visited Chashoti for on spot review of the situation in the aftermath of cloudburst tragedy and relief and rescue operations launched by the administration.
He was scheduled to accompany Defence Minister Rajnath Singh along with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to Chashoti and Gulabgarh today.
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