Javed Rana reviews restoration efforts in Poonch

Jammu, Sep 2: In the aftermath of the recent floods that caused significant disruption across Poonch district, Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment, and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, Tuesday conducted a detailed virtual review of the relief and restoration efforts underway.
During the meeting, the Minister emphasized the urgent need for efficient planning and execution of restoration measures. He directed all concerned departments to ensure that restoration work is carried out without delay and that departmental heads personally oversee on-ground operations to accelerate progress.
He underlined that the focus must remain on quick resumption of essential services, including water supply, power, road connectivity and the distribution of food grains and other critical commodities, particularly in remote and vulnerable areas.
The Minister called for a comprehensive and inclusive rehabilitation strategy for affected families, along with the implementation of long-term preventive measures to mitigate the impact of future disasters.
He urged officials to ensure that compensation and relief support are delivered swiftly and fairly, with special attention to the most affected and at-risk populations.
Highlighting the need for safety in educational institutions, Rana stressed the importance of conducting thorough structural audits of schools in flood-hit areas.
He directed the concerned departments to identify vulnerable school buildings, carry out urgent repair works and ensure that learning institutions are safe for students and staff.
As part of the damage assessment, the Deputy Commissioner Poonch, Ashok Kumar Sharma briefed the Minister on the overall impact of the floods on infrastructure.
He informed that 18 schools in the district sustained damage, primarily involving boundary walls, and that four schools require immediate restoration to ensure operational safety. These schools have been prioritized for repair to ensure the timely resumption of academic activities.
Regarding road infrastructure, the Minister was informed that of the 71 roads damaged in Mendhar subdivision, 65 have already been restored to motorable condition, with the remainder under active repair.
In Surankote Sub-Division, 10 roads were reported damaged, with restoration work underway on a priority basis. It was further shared that a majority of roads under the PMGSY scheme have also been restored.
Recognizing the extent of damage to housing and protection works in rural areas, Rana instructed that repair and rebuilding be taken up by the Rural Development Department, as a special case, to expedite relief and recovery in the most impacted villages.
Recognising the healthcare response to the floods, Deputy Commissioner informed that medical camps will be organized in flood-affected and other vulnerable areas over the next two to three days. To further strengthen medical outreach, the Minister proposed the deployment of Mobile Medical Units (MMUs) on a 10-day rotational basis in Mendhar, Surankote and Haveli, ensuring that people in remote or inaccessible regions have timely access to essential health services.
The Minister placed particular emphasis on the restoration of power supply, noting that interruptions in electricity directly affect water availability, as many water supply systems are electrically operated.
It was reported that out of 162 water supply schemes affected by the floods, a majority have been partially restored, with full restoration in progress.
He further emphasized the critical importance of inter-departmental coordination to ensure a unified and effective disaster response. He called on all departments to work seamlessly and adopt a mission-driven approach to rebuilding and service restoration.
The Minister also stressed the need for maintaining adequate buffer stocks of food and essential supplies, particularly in cut-off areas, to avoid shortages during future emergencies.
In addition, Rana called for the scientific mapping of vulnerable zones and high-risk habitations, stating that such data-driven approaches are essential to guide future mitigation strategies, minimize disaster risk and enable timely and targeted interventions.
The Minister reiterated the Omar Abdullah Government’s unwavering commitment to the people of Poonch, stating that all efforts will be directed towards rebuilding stronger, safer and more resilient communities.