Mendhar, Aug 18 (KNS): Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, on Monday convened a high-level meeting to review the ongoing relief and rehabilitation measures in the landslide-affected areas of Poonch district.

The meeting was attended by Sub-Divisional Officers and senior officials of concerned departments, who presented detailed reports on the ground situation.

During the deliberations, the Minister was apprised of damages to residential houses, road connectivity, and public infrastructure in the landslide-prone zones.

Following a comprehensive review, Rana directed Revenue and line departments to immediately conduct thorough assessments of damages, with focus on loss of life, property, livestock and standing crops. He emphasized the need for completing assessments with accuracy and urgency to ensure timely relief and compensation.

He also instructed the Rural Development, Flood Control and Forest Departments to jointly undertake protective and mitigation measures in vulnerable areas.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

The Minister underscored the importance of providing immediate temporary rehabilitation and financial assistance as per disaster relief guidelines. He further directed equitable distribution of essential relief materials, including food, safe drinking water, medicines, blankets and other necessities.

Calling for enhanced coordination among civil administration, disaster management authorities and local voluntary bodies, Rana stressed that relief efforts must remain swift and people-centric.

Reiterating the Omar Abdullah Government’s commitment to the safety and welfare of every affected citizen, the Minister assured that his office will closely monitor the situation until full restoration and rehabilitation is achieved. (KNS)