Div Com Jammu reviews Ravi River protection works, flood relief measures in Kathua
KATHUA: Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar, on Saturday carried out an extensive inspection of the damaged Ravi River embankment near Lakhanpur, which was severely affected by the recent torrential rains.
He was accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Kathua, SSP Kathua, Project Director NHAI, senior officers from the Punjab Irrigation Department, and representatives of the Indian Army.
During the visit, the Divisional Commissioner held detailed discussions with all stakeholders, including the Kathua District Administration, Punjab Irrigation Department, NHAI, and Army authorities, to devise a comprehensive strategy for diverting water flow, safeguarding vital assets, and minimizing risks to life and property.
DC Kathua apprised the Div Com about ongoing measures to protect key installations, such as the DDC Chairman’s Office, Animal Husbandry Check Post, and adjoining government buildings. He informed that manpower and machinery have been deployed round-the-clock to raise crates and strengthen vulnerable stretches of the embankment.
The Div Com directed concerned departments to maintain close coordination and ensure timely completion of protective works. Stressing urgency, he called for adequate resource deployment, regular monitoring, and immediate plugging of weak points along the riverbank. He further emphasized the need for long-term, permanent protection measures and urged J&K and Punjab authorities to establish a joint mechanism for flood management in the Ravi River basin.
Later, the Divisional Commissioner also reviewed relief and restoration efforts in flood-hit areas of Kathua. He directed the district administration to expedite road connectivity restoration, and ensure complete resumption of power and water supply in affected areas.
