Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 2: In the aftermath of the recent floods that caused significant disruption across Poonch district, Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment, and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, today conducted a detailed virtual review of the relief and restoration efforts underway.
During the meeting, the Minister emphasized the urgent need for efficient planning and execution of restoration measures. He directed all concerned departments to ensure that restoration work is carried out without delay and that departmental heads personally oversee on-ground operations to accelerate progress.
He underlined that the focus must remain on quick resumption of essential services, including water supply, power, road connectivity and the distribution of food grains and other critical commodities, particularly in remote and vulnerable areas.
The Minister called for a comprehensive and inclusive rehabilitation strategy for affected families, along with the implementation of long-term preventive measures to mitigate the impact of future disasters.
He urged officials to ensure that compensation and relief support are delivered swiftly and fairly, with special attention to the most affected and at-risk populations.
Highlighting the need for safety in educational institutions, Rana stressed the importance of conducting thorough structural audits of schools in flood-hit areas.
He directed the concerned departments to identify vulnerable school buildings, carry out urgent repair works and ensure that learning institutions are safe for students and staff.
As part of the damage assessment, the Deputy Commissioner Poonch, Ashok Kumar Sharma briefed the Minister on the overall impact of the floods on infrastructure.
Recognizing the extent of damage to housing and protection works in rural areas, Rana instructed that repair and rebuilding be taken up by the Rural Development Department, as a special case, to expedite relief and recovery in the most impacted villages.
The Minister placed particular emphasis on the restoration of power supply, noting that interruptions in electricity directly affect water availability, as many water supply systems are electrically operated.
It was reported that out of 162 water supply schemes affected by the floods, a majority have been partially restored, with full restoration in progress.
He further emphasized the critical importance of inter-departmental coordination to ensure a unified and effective disaster response. He called on all departments to work seamlessly and adopt a mission-driven approach to rebuilding and service restoration.
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