Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Sep 4: Amid ongoing heavy rainfall and rising water levels, Srinagar Police, supported by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), River Police, and other agencies, have launched large-scale evacuation and relief operations across flood-affected areas of the city. To date, over 200 families and individuals have been successfully rescued.
Kashmir Police Chief V. K. Bidhuri assured full coordination among all agencies involved, saying their united effort to safeguard lives and property. He said all rescue and relief operations are being carried out under the direct supervision of territorial officers.
Officials said that evacuations were carried out under the direct supervision of territorial officers.
Around 24 families and houseboat dwellers were rescued from Peerzo Island and Basantbagh; 39 families from Bonyarbal, S.R. Gunj, Malik Sahib, Safakadal, Pamposh Colony, Noorbagh, Guzarbal, and Madanyar Fateh Kadal, they said, adding that 20 families and individuals from Dedi Kadal, Habba Kadal, Zaindar Mohalla, Tankipora, Karan Nagar, Kursoo, Iqbal Colony, and Aramwari; and another 20 families from Tailbal and vulnerable pockets of Hazratbal.
Additionally, 63 individuals were evacuated from Panzinara-Mujgund, Maloora Bund, Khawajabagh Bund, Parimpora Bund, Bilal Colony Bund, Qamarwari, Rampora Chattabal Bund, Zenpora, and Tengan.
Besides rescue efforts, police personnel plugged potential breaches at multiple embankments, preventing further escalation of the situation. Quick Response Teams (QRTs) and contingency squads have been activated across all police establishments to regulate traffic, provide frontline assistance, and reach stranded families in time.
Srinagar Police have also set up dedicated 24×7 helplines while publishing contact numbers of district officers to ensure immediate public access during emergencies.
Meanwhile, people have been urged to avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rains, report waterlogging, fallen trees, or electrical hazards, and cooperate fully with emergency services.
IGP Bidhuri, speaking to reporters here, said all departments, including the Police, Army, SDRF, NDRF and civil administration, are working in close coordination to ensure timely rescue and relief.
“Our forces are on the ground wherever water entered residential areas. Rescue teams remain on standby, and whenever a call is received, the nearest unit responds immediately,” he said.
He added that police units have been directed to patrol along Jhelum’s embankments to detect seepages or breaches. “If such situations arise, they are reported to flood control authorities, and plugging operations are initiated without delay,” Bidhuri said.
The IGP urged people to remain calm, follow advisories, and cooperate with authorities. “Weather is showing signs of improvement, and water levels are expected to recede. All agencies are united in this mission to safeguard lives and property,” he added.
“J&K Police remain fully committed to public safety and will continue to extend all possible assistance during these challenging times,” the IGP said. (KNO)
