JAMMU: Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) of the Agriculture Production Department, Shailendra Kumar, visited Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology (SKUAST) Jammu at Chatha today to assess the impact of the flash floods that struck the campus on August 26, 2025.
During his visit, the ACS reviewed damages to academic, research, and other infrastructure and held discussions with university authorities, faculty members, and students. He directed the University to strengthen preparedness for future calamities and advised coordination with the Irrigation and Flood Control Department to develop long-term solutions for recurring floods in Ballol Nallah and its tributaries.
Shailendra Kumar emphasized conducting a detailed study of water flow patterns, identifying areas most prone to overflow. He instructed the University to seek assistance from IIT Jammu to hire a nationally reputed consultant for flood management projects, with priority funding from University resources for mitigation planning.
The ACS, along with Vice Chancellor Prof. B.N. Tripathi and statutory officers, also interacted with hostel residents. He encouraged students to remain calm and resilient, highlighted the importance of maintaining hygiene in hostels and across the campus, and stressed the provision of quality food.
Assuring uninterrupted academics, he directed that the current semester syllabus be completed on time through online classes to prevent any academic loss. Reiterating the Government’s commitment, he assured full support for the early restoration and long-term resilience of SKUAST-Jammu.
