JAMMU, Aug 25: In the wake of the recent flash floods that wreaked havoc in several parts of Jammu district, a delegation of BJP MLAs today met with Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Mr. Ramesh Kumar (IAS), Deputy Commissioner Jammu, Mr. Rakesh Minhas (IAS), and Commissioner Jammu Municipal Corporation, Mr. Devansh Yadav (IAS) to take stock of the situation and review the relief measures being undertaken.
The meeting was aimed at ensuring that urgent relief reaches the affected families while also chalking out a roadmap for long-term flood management and preparedness. The delegation comprised Sh. Sham Lal Sharma (Jammu North), Prof. Gharu Ram Bhagat (Suchetgarh), Sh. Vikram Randhawa (Bahu), Sh. Yudhvir Sethi (Jammu East), Sh. Arvind Gupta (Jammu West), Sh. Mohan Lal Bhagat (Akhnoor), and Sh. Surinder Kumar (Marh).
The MLAs jointly called upon the officers and conveyed the grievances of people from their respective constituencies, highlighting the urgency of addressing both immediate hardships and structural deficiencies that aggravated the flood impact. During the deliberations, the MLAs expressed deep concern over the widespread damage caused by the flash floods and heavy rainfall on 24th August, which led to inundation of several localities across Jammu district. They noted that floodwater entered the households of residents, causing severe damage to household items and belongings, thereby compounding the misery of affected families.
The MLAs raised several crucial points for immediate action. They demanded a comprehensive estimation of the damage suffered by households, traders, and farmers so that adequate compensation can be arranged. They stressed upon expediting relief and rehabilitation measures with immediate restoration of civic amenities. The MLAs further highlighted that the infrastructure damage caused to water pipelines, electricity networks, and road connectivity must be repaired on priority.
They also urged the administration to identify flood trigger points across the district and to undertake structural improvements such as the creation of proper drainage systems, functional flood channels, regular de-silting of nullahs, and modern storm-water drains.
These measures, they underlined, are essential not only to provide relief now but also to prevent such suffering in the future. The MLAs further pointed out that lanes, pathways, and drains in several areas were washed away, while flood protection walls alongside roads were also damaged at many places, making the movement of vehicles extremely difficult and disrupting normal life. They also flagged the urgent requirement of medical assistance in flood-hit areas to prevent the outbreak of waterborne diseases, especially in vulnerable pockets.
The administration, while carefully noting all the issues raised, assured the delegation that damage assessment surveys have been initiated on priority and that relief material and financial support are being extended to the affected families. Divisional Commissioner Mr. Ramesh Kumar, DC Jammu Mr. Rakesh Minhas, and JMC Commissioner Mr. Devansh Yadav further assured that a comprehensive plan will be framed for proper channelisation and drainage systems, especially in flood-flow areas, to avoid recurrence of such disasters. The Divisional Commissioner also conveyed that a meeting of all concerned sectoral officers will be convened tomorrow, and nodal officers will be deputed for assessment and restoration works at the earliest, so that a comprehensive report can be prepared and submitted to the Government regarding the losses and damages suffered by residents. He further assured that restoration of road connectivity, drinking water supply, and electricity will be completed within 48 hours, and suitable compensation and preventive measures will be ensured at the highest level.
The MLAs welcomed these assurances and reaffirmed their commitment to continuously monitor the situation, working shoulder-to-shoulder with the administration to ensure both immediate relief and durable infrastructure solutions for the welfare of the people.
|