No need to panic, Govt monitoring situation: Dy CM

Srinagar, Sep 3: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Wednesday said that the government is closely monitoring the flood situation across Jammu and Kashmir and appealed to citizens not to panic, assuring that there is no immediate danger as water levels have started to recede.
“As far as Jammu is concerned, the rains are still going on but have subsided compared to two days ago. The water level is not as high as it was earlier. In south Kashmir, there was heavy rainfall, but overall the situation has improved. The rain has stopped and gradually water levels are receding. There is no need for panic,” Choudhary told reporters.
The Deputy CM said he spent the evening in the Flood Control Room along with Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam and senior officers of the Irrigation and Flood Control Department, monitoring the situation. “All officers are in place, monitoring water levels. The government is here to help people in this situation. Rain is not in human hands, but we will continue to take necessary measures to protect the public. People should also pray that rains ease further,” he said.
He added that water levels near Zero Bridge were stable and expected to decline after midnight. “Because water is still flowing in from upstream, levels remain steady, but once it passes, the situation will ease.
The water level has already decreased in other areas. We are satisfied with the steps being taken by our officers,” Choudhary said.
He also said that senior leaders including former Chief Minister Dr. Farooq Abdullah visited the control room on Wednesesday evening to review the arrangements. “We held a detailed meeting with the officers and discussed the measures being taken. We also reviewed online sites monitoring the situation and are satisfied that there is no immediate threat,” he said.
Choudhary cautioned against misinformation and rumors being spread on social media. “There is no need to panic about unverified news. When a Deputy Chief Minister makes a statement, he makes it with responsibility. Citizens should trust authentic updates from media and officials. If some people create panic, we must explain to them not to do so,” he said.
Appealing for calm, he said that at present, there is no situation that warrants panic. “The government is monitoring everything and officers are working round the clock. I appeal to the public not to be afraid and to avoid spreading rumors.” (KNS)