MENDHAR: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment, and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, today chaired a meeting to review relief and rehabilitation efforts in Poonch district following recent landslides.
The meeting saw the participation of Sub-Divisional Officers and senior officials from concerned departments, who presented detailed on-ground reports outlining the current situation in their respective areas.
During discussions, the Minister was briefed on the damage to residential structures, road networks, and public utilities in landslide-prone zones. Following a thorough review, he issued a set of directives to ensure a swift, coordinated, and effective response from all departments.
Minister Rana instructed the Revenue and line departments to immediately conduct a comprehensive assessment of damages, with particular focus on loss of life, property, livestock, and standing crops. He stressed that these assessments must be accurate and conducted urgently to enable timely relief and compensation.
The Rural Development, Flood Control, and Forest Departments were directed to jointly implement protection and mitigation measures in vulnerable areas. The Minister also highlighted the importance of prompt temporary rehabilitation and financial assistance in line with disaster relief guidelines.
To address immediate needs, he ordered the equitable distribution of essential relief items, including food, clean drinking water, medicines, blankets, and other basic necessities. He emphasized strengthened coordination among the civil administration, disaster management authorities, and local voluntary organizations to enhance relief efforts.
Reaffirming the Omar Abdullah Government’s commitment to the safety, rehabilitation, and welfare of all affected citizens, Minister Rana called for a proactive, coordinated, and people-focused approach from all departments, assuring that his office will closely monitor the situation until full restoration and rehabilitation is achieved.
