Modi government stands firmly with the people of Jammu and Kashmir and is providing immediate relief, financial assistance, and technical support to facilitate safety, rehabilitation, and reconstruction
JAMMU: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, arrived in Jammu today to assess the damage caused by recent widespread rain, floods, and landslides. During his visit, Shah conducted an on-the-ground inspection of affected areas and held a high-level meeting with top officials, including Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, to review the ongoing relief and rescue operations.
The Home Minister’s visit began with a survey of the hardest-hit areas in the Jammu division. He met with flood-affected residents in Chak Mangu village and inspected key infrastructure, including the Tawi Bridge and the Shiv Temple, which sustained significant damage. Shah expressed his grief over the loss of lives, stating that the central government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stands firmly with the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Following his field visit, Shah chaired a high-level meeting to review the latest situation and provide further directives. He praised the coordinated efforts of the Jammu and Kashmir administration and various agencies for minimizing potential damage and saving many lives.
Technology and Analytics: Shah stressed the need for a joint study by the Meteorological Department and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to understand the causes of cloudbursts. He called for the use of data analytics and AI to develop a more effective early warning system.
Early Warning Systems: A critical review of all existing Early Warning Apps (EWAs) is necessary to assess their accuracy and reach at the grassroots level. He also emphasized the urgent need to review the Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) Early Warning System.
Relief and Restoration: Shah announced that advanced survey teams from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) will be dispatched to assess the full extent of the damage, and additional assistance will be provided. A meeting of central and UT departments will be held within the next two days to finalize the damage assessment and aid plan.
Essential Services: The Home Minister directed the Health and Water Departments to proactively focus on restoring water supply and ensuring health services. He also requested support from medical units of the Army, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), and the Air Force.
Financial Assistance: Shah noted that an amount of Rs. 209 crore has already been allocated to the Union Territory under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) to facilitate immediate relief work. Assistance for damaged private property is being assessed and will be disbursed swiftly.
Coordinated Response and Relief Efforts
The Home Minister commended the timely warnings issued by the central and UT authorities, which helped in minimizing casualties. He confirmed that the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Army, Union Territory Disaster Response Force (UTDRF), and other teams were on alert, with helicopters on standby.
According to a status update provided during the meeting, more than 5,000 people have been evacuated to safer locations. Additionally, over 80% of electricity supply has been restored, and pure drinking water and health facilities are available in relief camps. Shah assured the people of Jammu and Kashmir that the Government of India would continue to provide prompt relief, financial assistance, and technical support for reconstruction and rehabilitation.
