Kathua: Deputy Commissioner Kathua Rajesh Sharma Thursday conducted an extensive tour of Bani Sub Division to take stock of the situation arising after the recent spell of incessant rains and floods.
During his maiden visit to the Sub Division, the DC chaired a meeting of District and Sub Divisional Officers at the SDM Office Complex, wherein he took a firsthand appraisal of the developmental profile of the Sub Division and reviewed the ongoing relief and restoration works.
Reviewing the restoration efforts, the DC directed the concerned officers to ensure proper assessment of damages caused to life and property so that timely relief is extended to the affected families under SDRF nor He stressed on close coordination among departments to expedite restoration of public infrastructure.
On the occasion, the DC met several public deputations who projected issues mainly related to damages to roads, agricultural land and other essential services. The DC assured them of all possible support from the administration and directed officers to prioritize works in the worst-affected areas.
As part of the relief measures, the DC distributed essential relief material including dry ration, oil, utensils, tents, mattresses and other necessary items among the affected families. He also assured that the concerned departments would extend handholding support to the affected households under the provisions of various government schemes and welfare programmes.
The DC also chaired a meeting with Lead District Manager (LDM) and Assistant Labour Commissioner (ALC) to review the implementation of Mission Yuva scheme in the Sub Division. He called for ensuring effective coverage of youth under the programme to provide enhanced avenues of employment and skill development.
Later, the DC visited multiple sites to assess damages. At Drabl Bridge, which was partially damaged due to floods, the DC directed officers to immediately undertake crate work for protection and prepare a detailed estimate for permanent restoration of the bridge. At Gatti Panchayat, where the road was washed away due to overflow of dam water, the DC instructed the XEN PMGSY to restore the link at the earliest to ensure smooth public movement.
The DC also inspected damaged PHE pipelines where restoration work is going on in full swing. He directed the XEN PHE to ensure uninterrupted alternate supply of drinking water to the affected habitations till permanent restoration is completed.
The DC further visited Barmota and other affected areas, directing concerned departments to complete road and infrastructure restoration works expeditiously to provide respite to the inhabitants of the peripheral areas.
MLA Bani, Dr. Rameshwar Singh; DDC Member Bani, Reeta Thakur, ADC Basohli, Pankaj Bhagotra; SDM Bani, Sundeep Kumar; SE PWD; CEO; XENs of PWD, PDD and PHE; ALC; Tehsildar; BDO and other officers were present during the visit.