Excelsior Correspondent
RAJOURI, Sept 22: Minister for Planning and Development Ajay Kumar Sadhotra and Provincial President National Conference Devender Singh Rana today extensively toured flood and land-slide hit areas of Rajouri district, took stock of the damages and reviewed relief measures undertaken for rehabilitation of sufferers.
The senior National Conference leaders, currently on a week-long visit of the Poonch and Rajouri districts along with a party delegation, interacted with district officials and those engaged in rehabilitation process and stressed the need for stepping up pace on the restoration projects.
The team visited the affected areas of Kotranka, Darhal and Rajouri.
The Planning Minister got a brief on steps taken for providing respite to the dislocated population and arrangements made for their time bound rehabilitation.
Mr Sadhotra, in his interaction with groups of the affected people, said that funds would not be a constraint in rehabilitation of people. He told them that the Omar led Government has decided to provide Rs 75,000 on preliminary basis for completely damaged houses. This can be increased in view of the colossal damages, he added.
Speaking to flood victims, Provincial President Mr Rana said that all resources are being pooled to meet the challenge posed by unprecedented floods of the recent history across the state. He said Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is personally supervising the rehabilitation process and hoped this will be achieved with active cooperation of the people.
Mr Rana said that National Conference will lend every support to the Governmental agencies in reconstructing the areas that have braved brunt of the natural calamity, adding that peoples’ welfare remains core of party agenda. He said the party workers are engaged in a big way in relief operations and hoped that the people will rise above politics and join the massive rehabilitation campaign.
The Provincial President emphasised the need for synergy between various agencies in accomplishing the task of rehabilitation and maintaining essential services. He hailed Chief Minister’s decision on providing free rations to flood victims and said due to his efforts relief operations have gained momentum in the affected areas. He hoped restoration of road connectivity will give further impetus to disbursement of relief to sufferers and putting in place much needed utility services.
“National Conference will strive for ensuring that relief reaches each affected family and person across the State”, Mr Rana said adding that the Omar led government was tirelessly working towards this objective. He said the entire administration has been galvanised to meet the challenge effectively and complimented the Chief Minister for personally supervising the mega relief operations in Poonch, Rajouri, Jammu and other parts of the region, as also in the Kashmir Valley.
Choudhry Liaquat Ali, Advocate, sought immediate assessment caused to live stock in Dhoks and village clusters, crops besides the property including dwelling units scattered in various areas. He demanded free rations for the affected people for enhanced duration, in view of total damage to standing crops.
Follow our WhatsApp channel