Shivam Bakshi
Srinagar, Jul 22 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday chaired a high-level meeting to review flood preparedness, restoration works and relief measures across the Union Territory following incessant rains and flash floods, directing officials to restore essential services, particularly drinking water and electricity, within 24 hours.
Chairing the meeting at the Civil Secretariat here, Abdullah stressed the need for maintaining a high state of preparedness to tackle flood-like situations arising from erratic weather conditions.
He directed the concerned departments to minimise loss of life and property, prioritise restoration works in vulnerable areas and intensify efforts to trace missing persons.
The chief minister also asked the divisional commissioners of Kashmir and Jammu to assess the situation in the worst-affected districts and ensure that adequate funds are placed at the disposal of deputy commissioners for immediate relief, rehabilitation and restoration of damaged infrastructure.
Reviewing rescue operations in the flood-hit districts of Poonch and Rajouri, Abdullah directed the district administrations to ensure that relief camps are equipped with food, drinking water and medical facilities.
Officials informed the meeting that rescue and relief operations involving the civil administration, police, SDRF, NDRF, Army, BRO and other departments are continuing in the affected areas.
The chief minister also directed the Power Development Department to restore electricity in the worst-hit districts within the stipulated timeline, saying restoration of drinking water supply largely depends on power supply.
Officials said the Kashmir division has identified 654 vulnerable villages with an estimated 7.22 lakh population at risk. Around 1,505 people have already been shifted to designated rescue centres as a precaution, while evacuation plans remain in place for other vulnerable locations.
The meeting was informed that 744 rescue centres, 108 SDRF boats, 25 Army boats, 98 satellite phones and 102 identified helipads have been kept ready to strengthen emergency response.
Officials further said water levels in the Jhelum river remain below the warning level at all monitoring stations and essential services, including healthcare, drinking water supply and telecommunications, are functioning normally.
In Jammu division, authorities have identified 363 vulnerable locations, activated round-the-clock emergency operation centres, conducted 142 mock drills and earmarked 138 functional helipads for emergency operations, officials said.(NVI)
