Shivam Bakshi
Rajouri, Aug 6 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday visited flash flood-affected areas of Rajouri district and assured residents that the government would ensure relief, rehabilitation and compensation for all those affected.
The chief minister visited Bella Colony and Behrote Aitti, where he met families impacted by the July 19 flash floods and reviewed the ongoing rescue, restoration and rehabilitation efforts.
Addressing reporters, Abdullah said the government’s immediate priority during the flash floods was to minimise the loss of human lives.
Expressing grief over the loss of four lives in the district, he said the prompt response of the district administration helped avert a bigger tragedy.
“Had the administration not acted swiftly that night, the number of casualties could have been much higher,” he said.
The chief minister said restoration work across the district was being carried out on a war footing. He said electricity supply had been restored almost completely, while efforts were underway to restore damaged drinking water supply schemes.
Abdullah said families whose houses were damaged in the floods would receive compensation as per norms, while those who lost their land would be provided alternate plots for rebuilding their homes.
He also assured assistance to farmers whose agricultural land and crops were damaged, and said free ration would be provided to affected families for up to six months to one year.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to the affected people, Abdullah said all necessary measures would be taken to ensure timely relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction in the flood-hit areas.(NVI)
