Govt committed to standing with people in this time of need: Rana

Srinagar, Aug 28: Minister for Jal Shakti, Javed Ahmed Rana today said that the Omar Abdullah led Government is committed to standing with the people in this time of need and ensuring that all essential services are restored at the earliest.He said, “We will bring a permanent solution to the issue of floods in Kashmir.”Speaking to the media in Srinagar, Rana said, “Everything is under control. The Chief Minister himself conducted a detailed assessment of the situation and issued on-the-spot instructions regarding relief and rehabilitation in Jammu.”He added, “We are closely monitoring the situation across Kashmir. The entire team of my department is on alert, and we are awaiting the cessation of rains. Several new proposals have been submitted to the department, and we will consider them carefully. We are confident that the flood issue in Kashmir can be permanently resolved.”Rana urged people to cooperate with the government. “Cooperation is important. With the implementation of these proposals, we aim to ensure that our areas in Kashmir remain unaffected by future floods. I hope to bring good news to the people of Kashmir soon.” Responding to a question on why, in the past, heavy rains over several days did not pose a flood threat, whereas now even a few hours of rain can create one, he said, “I don’t want to go into details, as people may feel it is politics, but the destruction caused in Jammu and Kashmir over the past five years has also affected the Jhelum River. Mining and other activities have further impacted our region, but we remain committed to bringing a permanent solution to floods in Kashmir.”Meanwhile, Rana chaired a high-level meeting to review and assess ongoing restoration measures of water supply in flood affected areas of Jammu city.The meeting focused on immediate relief and long-term mitigation strategies to ensure uninterrupted access to potable drinking water for affected residents.The Minister emphasised on the importance of swift and coordinated action to restore normalcy. He took stock of the damages caused to water supply infrastructure due to the incessant rains and floods. He also took assessment of ongoing repair and restoration works across various flood-affected localities.In areas having disrupted piped water supply, Rana directed the concerned officials to ensure timely deployment of water tankers to provide safe drinking water to the residents. He directed the officers that no household in any affected locality should remain without clean and safe water during this critical time.Special instructions were issued to expedite repair works and monitor the water quality being supplied through tankers and alternate sources.The departmental officers apprised the Minister of challenges encountered in restoring services, the damage assessment in various divisions and the contingency measures put in place to mitigate the ongoing crisis.Appreciating the efforts of the field functionaries, Rana urged the officials to work in mission mode in close coordination with the local administration and keep the public informed through regular updates.