CM assesses flood damages, visits affected areas of J and K

Jammu, Sep 6 (UNI) Directing the administration to show promptness in collection and compilation of flood damage details, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad has said on the basis of these details, adequate central help could be sought.

''We have to ensure that everyone affected is enlisted for help.

Give the list of affected people with full damages of crops, livestock and property to concerned tehsildars and damage assessing authorities,'' the Chief Minister said.

Mr Azad, who is continuously monitoring the flood situation, cut short his Leh tour as soon as flood alarms were sounded and water started breaching the bunds.

He visited Pulwama, Anantnag, Srinagar, Baramulla and other flood affected areas.

The Chief Minister took an aerial survey of the flood-hit areas in Jammu today, to have a first hand assessment of the magnitude of damage caused by the floods. This was followed by a high level meeting of Ministers and officers to find out ways and means for early relief to the affected.

He asked the administration to be at the beck and call of flood affected people and provide every help wherever required. He said he has already deputed Ministers to various districts to over-see the rescue and relief operations ensuring quick response of administration to the needy.

Giving guidelines for preparing the estimates of losses, Mr Azad said a two-pronged strategy should be adopted envisaging immediate and medium term relief.

He said the state has a long history of being hit by floods claiming lives and damaging crops, livestock and property, therefore, the fool-proof policy planning taking care of every aspect of flood protection is the need of hour.

Thus, the concerned departments, in consultation with experts, should come up with a strategy to this effect for action by the government.

Mr Azad also inspected Sitlee Filtration Plant and assessed the nature of damage caused to the water supply plant.

The Chief Minister directed the engineers that at least ten bore-wells should be made functional within 30 days to effectively meet the shortfall of 20 lakh gallons of water.

UNI HGV SHB HT2315