J&K minister calls for long-term disaster mitigation plan in rain-ravaged Poonch

Jammu and Kashmir Minister Javed Ahmed Rana called for a long-term disaster mitigation plan in Poonch after rain-related incidents claimed 18 lives. He directed officials to identify landslide and flash flood zones, restore damaged infrastructure and ensure timely relief and rehabilitation

Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir Minister for Environment Javed Ahmed Rana has said there was a need to strengthen disaster resilience in vulnerable areas and directed the administration to prepare a comprehensive long-term disaster mitigation plan in Poonch district, where 18 were killed in rain-related incidents.

Reviewing the situation on the ground, Rana, who is also the Tribal Affairs minister, instructed officers to identify all landslide and flash flood-prone locations and formulate permanent protective measures to safeguard lives, property and critical infrastructure.

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The Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology and Environment said the focus should be on sustainable mitigation strategies to minimise the impact of future natural disasters and enhance preparedness in vulnerable regions.

Rana is camping in his home district for the past several days to review the ongoing rescue, relief and restoration operations and directed the departments concerned to restore damaged roads, drinking water schemes, power infrastructure and other essential public utilities on a war footing to ease hardships faced by the affected population.

He said the government would continue to closely monitor the situation until normalcy is fully restored.

Expressing solidarity with the affected families, the minister assured them of the government’s continued support.

“The government stands firmly with every family affected by this tragedy. We will remain with you through this difficult time and ensure timely support, including immediate relief, rehabilitation assistance and compensation, to help you rebuild your lives,” the Minister said.

During the ongoing tour, the minister has been visiting some of the worst-hit villages and remote habitations, interacting with the affected families and inspecting damage to homes, roads, water supply schemes, irrigation facilities and agricultural land, an official spokesman said.

He said the minister is also reviewing the pace of relief and rehabilitation works being carried out by the district administration and line departments.

While taking stock of the restoration of essential services, Rana emphasised that the relief process must remain people-centric and responsive.

He directed the officers to ensure that genuine cases of loss are assessed promptly and that eligible families receive relief and compensation without unnecessary delay, the spokesman said.