Kathua: Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh on Friday visited flood-hit areas of Kathua district and announced that modern nanotechnology-based water filter plants had been deployed to ensure safe drinking water and curb the risk of disease outbreaks.
Singh said large swathes of farmland were submerged, though no casualties had been reported.
“Fields are under water, and while officials have worked to drain it, the extent of damage still needs assessment. Thankfully, no lives were lost, but preventing disease spread is now our priority,” he told reporters.
The minister highlighted that such nanotech-based filtration units had been installed in the district for the first time.
“In the past 5–6 days, we explored options from institutes in Maharashtra. This Rs 50-lakh machine, capable of purifying 3,000 litres of water at a time—enough for an entire village—marks a first for the region,” Singh said.
He added that the administration had submitted both immediate and long-term assistance estimates, with further support expected from industrialists.
“Prime Minister Modi has assured that all necessary help will be provided. The Centre, along with BRO, NHAI, and the J&K government, is fully involved,” he said.
Earlier in the day, Singh hosted a free lunch for patients and attendants at Government Medical College (GMC) Kathua.
In recent days, continuous heavy rain across Jammu and Kashmir has swollen rivers and triggered flash floods in several districts. On Thursday, authorities began relocating families in Poonch’s Mendhar sector after persistent landslides in Kalaban village, where nearly 70 families have been affected and over 25 homes destroyed.
