In a significant outreach to the people affected by the recent cloudburst in Ramban district, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today visited the affected areas for the second consecutive day to personally assess the situation and oversee ongoing relief and restoration efforts.
The Chief Minister conducted an aerial survey of the damage caused at Dharmkund and along National Highway-44, accompanied by colleagues and concerned officers. He later visited various severely impacted locations, including Seri, Boli Bazar, Main Bazar Ramban, and the area surrounding Government Higher Secondary School Ramban.
During his visit, the Chief Minister interacted with affected families and assured them of all possible support. He emphasized that the immediate restoration of NH-44 is the topmost priority and directed the district administration Ramban to expedite the damage assessment process, covering death cases, structural losses, property damage, agricultural losses and livestock casualties.
The Chief Minister assured that relief compensation will be provided by the J&K Government to all those affected by the cloudburst. He further stated that the J&K Government is committed to supporting the victims during this difficult time and will seek assistance from the Central Government to ensure timely and adequate relief measures are extended to the affected families.
He instructed the administration and NHAI to intensify relief and restoration works and assured adequate financial assistance for the same. He further directed for clearing of link roads and removal of debris from residential areas, restoration of power supply and deployment of water tankers to ensure drinking water in affected localities. He also called for the enhancement of community kitchens (langars) to support displaced families and the submission of fund requisition to the Finance Department for immediate financial support from the government.
The Chief Minister also appreciated the prompt response and real-time action by the district administration and Police, which helped save many precious lives.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by Advisor to CM Nasir Aslam Wani, DDC Chairperson Dr. Shamshad Shan, MLA Banihal Sajad Shaheen, MLA Ramban Arjun Singh Raju, Deputy Commissioner Ramban Baseer-Ul-Haq Chaudhary, SSP Ramban Kulbir Singh and other senior officers.
Later, a review meeting was also held at Ramban, where Chief Minister Omar Abdullah took stock of the ongoing rescue, relief, and restoration efforts being carried out by the district administration and stakeholder departments. Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani suggested measures for the timely restoration of essential services and urged early insurance claims processing to avoid delays in compensation.
The Chief Minister also directed authorities to strictly regulate construction near water channels and nallahs to prevent obstruction to natural water flow. The DDC Chairperson, MLAs, and other officials highlighted various pressing issues that require immediate attention.
Earlier, Deputy Commissioner Baseer-Ul-Haq Chaudhary briefed the Chief Minister about the tragic incident and measures undertaken so far for rescue, relief and restoration across the district.