CM Visits Anantnag, Kulgam — Assures Relief, Rehabilitation and Strengthened Flood-Mitigation Measures

Srinagar / Anantnag, Sept 6: The Chief Minister visited flood-affected districts of Anantnag and Kulgam today to review the situation on the ground and reassure residents of prompt relief and long-term mitigation measures. During the visit, the CM inspected inundated localities, relief camps and essential services, and held meetings with local administrators and disaster-response teams.

On-ground Assessment and Immediate Relief

The CM carried out a thorough assessment of the damage caused by recent heavy rains and river breaches. He visited relief centres where displaced families are being housed and met with those affected to hear their concerns directly. Administration officials briefed him on rescue operations, food and medical supplies, and the status of evacuation efforts. The CM directed district authorities to ensure uninterrupted delivery of essentials — drinking water, medicine, cooked food and temporary shelter — to all affected households.

Assurances on Rehabilitation & Compensation

Addressing officials and residents, the CM assured that the government will provide immediate financial assistance to those who lost homes and livelihoods. He called for a speedy but transparent process to identify beneficiaries and disburse relief amounts. The leadership reiterated that damaged government infrastructure — roads, bridges, water supply points and power lines — would be restored on priority, and that long-term rehabilitation plans would be prepared in consultation with local communities.

Strengthening Flood-Mitigation Measures

In meetings with district civil and technical officers, the CM emphasized the need for robust flood-mitigation measures. Steps discussed included:

Immediate repair and reinforcement of breached embankments and vulnerable riverbanks.
Accelerated dredging of silted river stretches and drains to restore carrying capacity.
Clearing critical access roads and restoring connectivity to isolated settlements.
Long-term watershed management plans and afforestation to reduce future erosion and runoff.
Third-party safety audits of existing flood-control infrastructure and fast-tracking sanctioned projects.

Coordination With Rescue Agencies

The CM reviewed coordination among civil administration, NDRF, SDRF, police and local volunteers. He directed that rescue teams remain on high alert and that helicopters and boats be deployed as required for evacuations and medical evacuations. Emphasis was placed on keeping helpline numbers active, ensuring prompt response to calls for help, and maintaining real-time updates for residents through official channels.

Support for Farmers and Local Economy

Officials informed the CM about agricultural losses, particularly standing crops and orchards submerged in low-lying areas. The CM asked agricultural and revenue departments to conduct rapid damage assessments so compensation and crop-relief packages can be announced. Support measures under consideration include seed distribution, subsidised inputs for the next cropping season, and targeted financial assistance for smallholders whose livelihoods have been impacted.

Commitment to Transparent Implementation

The CM stressed transparent, time-bound delivery of relief and rehabilitation measures. He asked district authorities to publish lists of beneficiaries and the status of relief disbursement, and to engage elected representatives, panchayats and community leaders to ensure aid reaches those most in need. Grievance redress mechanisms and monitoring cells were ordered to be set up to track implementation.

Community Resilience & Future Preparedness

Speaking to local officials, the CM underscored the need for long-term planning that combines infrastructure work with community-level preparedness: early-warning systems, floodplain zoning, and community drills. He urged departments to accelerate climate-resilient infrastructure projects and to prioritise nature-based solutions where feasible.

Source: Based on reporting by Daily Excelsior (Read Original)

Labels: Chief Minister, Anantnag, Kulgam, Flood Relief, Rehabilitation, Disaster Management

Tags: #FloodRelief #Anantnag #Kulgam #DisasterResponse #DailyExcelsior

Disclaimer: This is a rewritten summary based on reporting by Daily Excelsior. Jammu News Portal does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of external content.