Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Information Technology, Youth Services & Sports and Science & Technology, Satish Sharma, today undertook an extensive visit to the flood-affected areas of Rajouri district to assess the damage caused by the recent flash floods, review the ongoing rescue, relief and rehabilitation measures, and take stock of the restoration of essential public services.
Reaffirming the Government's commitment to ensuring timely relief and rehabilitation of every affected family, the Minister said that the administration has been directed to leave no stone unturned in extending immediate assistance and restoring normalcy in the affected areas.
The Minister began his visit by inspecting the flood-ravaged Baila Bus Stand, one of the worst-affected locations in Rajouri town. He took stock of the extensive damage caused to the bus stand infrastructure and inspected several vehicles that were severely damaged after being caught in the flash floods. He directed the concerned officers to conduct a detailed assessment of the losses and expedite restoration measures to ensure the early resumption of public transport services.
Interacting with local residents and transporters, Satish Sharma expressed deep concern over the hardships faced by them due to the natural calamity. He assured them that the Government is closely monitoring the situation and all genuine cases of damage and loss would be addressed in accordance with the established norms.
Subsequently, the Minister visited the Relief and Rehabilitation Centre established by the District Administration at Government Boys Higher Secondary School (BHSS), Rajouri, where families displaced by the floods have been provided temporary shelter.
The Minister spent considerable time interacting with the affected families, listening to their concerns and enquiring about their immediate requirements. He assured them that the Government stands shoulder to shoulder with them during this difficult period and that every possible measure would be taken to ensure their safety, welfare and dignified rehabilitation.
During the visit, Deputy Commissioner Rajouri Abhishek Sharma briefed the Minister on the rescue operations conducted immediately after the flash floods, the ongoing relief measures and the rehabilitation plan being implemented by the district administration. He informed that the administration has made comprehensive arrangements at the relief centre, including safe accommodation, nutritious food, clean drinking water, uninterrupted electricity, sanitation facilities, healthcare services, medicines, counselling support and other essential amenities to ensure the well-being of the displaced families.
The Minister also conducted a comprehensive review of the availability and restoration of essential public services in the affected areas. He assessed the status of ration supply, drinking water, electricity, road connectivity, transport services, healthcare facilities and other civic amenities. He directed the officers of the concerned departments to work in close coordination to restore all damaged infrastructure and public utilities on a priority basis while ensuring uninterrupted delivery of essential services to the affected population.
Emphasising the importance of coordinated disaster response, Satish Sharma instructed all departments to maintain close coordination, remain on alert and ensure prompt redressal of public grievances. He stressed that relief efforts should continue until every affected family is adequately rehabilitated and normal life is fully restored.
The Minister appreciated the dedicated efforts of the District Administration, Police, SDRF, Civil Defence, volunteers and all line departments for their swift response in carrying out rescue and relief operations despite challenging conditions. He observed that their timely intervention helped minimise the impact of the disaster and ensured the safety of many residents.
"The Government is fully committed to providing every possible assistance to the flood-affected families. All departments have been directed to work with urgency and compassion so that relief reaches every deserving person without delay. Restoration of essential services and rehabilitation of affected families remain our highest priority," the Minister said.
MLA Rajouri Iftikhar Ahmed and MLA Thanamandi Muzaffar Ahmad Khan accompanied the Minister during the visit and interacted with the affected families and local residents.
Senior district and sectoral officers were also present and briefed the Minister on the prevailing situation, the progress of relief operations and the measures being taken to restore normalcy across the affected areas.