SAHIL BHAT
SEPT 1: Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a high-level review meeting regarding the flood situation in Jammu and Kashmir at Raj Bhavan in Jammu.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah were among the key officials present in the meeting.
Subsequent to the meeting, Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to take an aerial survey of the flood-hit areas in Jammu.
Prior to the meeting, Union Minister visited Bikram Chowk Bridge in Jammu and the flood-affected area of Manguchak, Jammu.
Pertinent to mention on Aug 26, torrential rains triggered flash floods in Jammu city left over 40 people dead wherein landslide at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi temple in Katra accounting for 34 lives.
Heavy rain battered parts of Jammu city wherein Bridge 4th at Baghwati Nagar suffered massive damage.
LG Manoj Sinha has directed the constitution of a high-level three-member committee to probe the causes of the landslide in Katra. The committee will be led by Additional Chief Secretary (Jal Shakti) Shaleen Kabra, Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar and Inspector General of Police Jammu BS Tuti.
On Aug 30, four people were killed and one was reported missing after a cloudburst struck the Rajgarh area in Ramban district and landslide claimed the life of seven-member-family, including five children, in Reasi.
On Aug 31, CM Omar Abdullah visited the cloudburst-hit Ramban district to take stock of the damage.
Monsoon fury in Jammu Division has cost several lives and made several homeless. Administration’s efforts are in full swing to prevent further damage through calamity.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s visit is expected to be crucial in this regard as people are demanding a comprehensive package from the Central Government.
J&K Congress President Tariq Hameed Karra posted on X, “As the Hon’ble Home Minister visits Jammu to evaluate the catastrophic losses suffered by our people, the Indian National Congress unequivocally demands an immediate, comprehensive, and well-funded relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction package to support the affected communities and rebuild their lives with dignity. Furthermore, we strongly urge the establishment of an independent, high-level inquiry to thoroughly investigate the systemic lapses and negligence that led to the heartwrenching tragedies at Vaishno Devi and Chashoti. These disasters have shaken the nation, and accountability must be ensured to deliver justice to the victims and their families. The government must act swiftly to implement robust preventive measures to safeguard lives and prevent such devastating incidents in the future: J&K Congress President Tariq Hameed Karra.”
NC MLA Tanvir Sadiq also pressed for a comprehensive package for the victims of flood-hit areas to heal their wounds and provide them habitat.
