Jammu, Aug 27 (KNS): In the wake of heavy rains and floods across Jammu, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday conducted an extensive tour of flood-affected areas to assess damages and oversee immediate relief measures.
Accompanied by senior ministers and top officials, the Chief Minister visited Bhagwati Nagar’s Fourth Tawi Bridge, Science College Old Campus, Hari Singh Park, and Gujjar Nagar to review the situation. He expressed concern over the damage to the Fourth Tawi Bridge, recalling it had also been hit during the 2014 floods. “This structure requires urgent technical evaluation and preventive measures to avoid risks in the future,” he said.
Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar and Deputy Commissioner Jammu Dr. Rakesh Minhas briefed the Chief Minister on rescue operations, temporary shelters, supply chains, and inter-departmental coordination.
On the issue of rehabilitation, Abdullah stressed that support for flood victims must go beyond temporary relief. “Rehabilitation has to be holistic, ensuring every affected family receives adequate support,” he directed.
The Chief Minister said he had briefed the Prime Minister about the flood situation, who assured full support from the Centre.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel“I am satisfied with the assurance of continued assistance from the Government of India,” Abdullah said, thanking the Prime Minister for his commitment.
Expressing grief over the recent Katra landslide that claimed pilgrims’ lives, Abdullah remarked that preventive steps should have been taken in time. “Lives could have been saved if pilgrims were held back at safer locations after advance warnings,” he noted, while conveying condolences to the bereaved families.
Abdullah also directed BSNL and private operators to restore telecom services immediately, stressing that communication networks are crucial during emergencies. He further ordered urgent steps for clearing the Srinagar-Jammu and Jammu-Pathankot highways, besides restoring electricity, water supply, and road access in affected areas.
He said a comprehensive relief package for Jammu and Kashmir would soon be announced.(KNS)
During his field visit, the Chief Minister interacted with residents, assured swift restoration of essential services, and urged officials to work “on a war footing” to provide relief and rehabilitation.