J&K CM Visits Kargil, Shakar Chiktan to assess flood damages

Scoop News August 30, 2010

Kargil, August 30 (Scoop News) – Assuring adequate measures at the State Government level to rehabilitate flood affected families, J&K Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah Monday said that government has already put in place a multi pronged strategy in this direction.

The Chief Minister as a part of his programme to visit all areas hit by floods and rains claiming human lives and causing damage to the property and standing crops, today visited Kargil and had aerial survey of inaccessible areas affected by floods.

Omar visited Shakar, Chiktan, Henkiats, Mulbaigh, Wakha, Kachi and Burti Bazaar. The Chief Minister has already visited Leh, Gurez and Tangdhar and has taken stock of the damages caused by floods.

The Chief Minister said that a comprehensive programme for rehabilitation of affected families and restoration of public service providing infrastructure has already been put in place. “The government machinery has been geared up properly in this regard”, he said.

Omar said that the survey of damage to the crops and the property is being conducted to work out its magnitude and prioritize the rehabilitation and compensation strategy. “We are already in touch with the Union Government seeking assistance for payment of compensation to the affected families”, he said adding that the help from the State government to the flood affected people is also underway.

Interacting with various deputations at Islamia School, Kargil, the Chief Minister said that faster development of backward and hilly areas is on the top of development agenda of his government. “Focused attention is on the all-round development of these areas with special attention for the upgradation of road communication, health care facilities, education, power and PHE sectors. Our efforts are to link up the inaccessible areas and generate economic avenues for the people in these areas”, he said.

The Chief Minister later reviewed the damages caused by floods in Kargil and the action taken by the district administration to reach out to the affected people, at a meeting of district level officers.

Speaking in the meeting, the Chief Minister asked the district administration to ensure rehabilitation of affected families well before the onset of winter. State government is extending all possible help in this regard, he said adding that Union Government is also providing liberal assistance in this regard.

The Chief Minister asked the officers to make assessment of damages to the crops and finalize the list of affected families as early as possible. He also directed for restoration of all public infrastructure putting in redoubled efforts. “Administration at all levels should be at the beck and call of all affected people and showing quick response to their needs”, he directed.

The Chief Minister said that he has earmarked Rs. 4 crore for the restoration of flood damages in Kargil district.

Minister for CAPD and Transport, Qamar Ali Akhoon and Chief Executive Officer, LAHDC, Kachoo Ali Mohammad were also present in the meeting.

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