Javed Ahmed Rana, Minister of Water Power, Forest, Ecology and Environment and Tribal Affairs, visited the Balakote area of sub-division to assess the damage caused by heavy rains recently.
Mousaladhar Downpore triggers landslides, washed large parts of the land and damaged many houses in the region.
Deputy Commissioners Poonch, Vikas Kundal, SDM Meer, Imran Kataria, and other senior officials of the district administration along with Border Roads Organization (BRO)/GREF officials traveled to a wide place at all the affected places.
During the journey, he interacted with local residents and took on-spot reaction about the limit of loss.
After the site visit, the minister was informed by the Deputy Commissioner that the initial assessment of the loss has already been completed and the process of compensation to the affected families is being started.
The minister assured the public that the government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is committed to increase all possible assistance to the families affected by the natural disaster.
Rana insisted that restoration and construction activities in the affected areas would be carried out in a planned and durable manner, ensuring that local landscape and ecological balance are preserved.
He instructed the concerned departments to be cautious and provide necessary assistance to those effects including shelter, medical aid and other essential services.
Addressing a gathering at village Sangiyot, Minister Rana directed the Deputy Commissioner to investigate whether the graph had assessed the fragility of the soil and landscape before cutting the earth and the excavation, and whether there was any negligence on their side about cutting the unprotected earth to flow.
He also assured to assess the loss and payment of compensation to the affected families and handed over a proper restoration plan to the district administration.
The minister also directed the forest and irrigation and flood control departments to lead soil conservation and protection.
In addition, he called for a comprehensive geological and ground technical examination of the affected area, including borehole drilling to collect rock and soil samples for laboratory testing and analysis, and assessing the depth, volume and quality of groundwater.
The minister underlined the active approach in responding to natural disasters and ensuring timely relief and rehabilitation for the affected citizens and assured that the JK Sarkar led by the Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, is always at the door to the people in any adversity.
