MENDHAR: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, yesterday visited Kalaban village in Mendhar subdivision of Poonch district to assess the damages caused by recent landslides and land sinking.
He was accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Poonch, Ashok Kumar Sharma, and other senior officers of the district and sub-divisional administration. The Minister interacted with affected families and reviewed the scale of destruction.
Expressing concern over the extensive losses, Rana directed the administration to ensure immediate relief, including temporary shelter, food, clean drinking water, and healthcare for the displaced. He asked officials to conduct a comprehensive assessment of damages so that compensation under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) could be disbursed at the earliest.
Officials informed him that more than 25 houses and government buildings had been completely destroyed, while several others suffered severe damage, forcing dozens of families to evacuate. Acknowledging that the affected land is no longer habitable, the Minister stressed the need for permanent relocation of families to safer areas.
He assured the people that the Government stands with them and will extend full support for their rehabilitation and livelihood restoration. The Forest Department was instructed to take up urgent soil conservation works and launch plantation drives to restore ecological balance.
Rana also asked the Flood Control Department to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) with both structural and non-structural measures to mitigate future landslides and ensure long-term safety of Kalaban village and its surroundings.
Reaffirming the Omar Abdullah Government’s commitment, the Minister said protecting vulnerable communities, promoting sustainable environmental practices, and ensuring timely disaster response remain top priorities.
