Poonch, May 15: In a significant step towards strengthening disaster response mechanisms and ensuring no affected household is left unattended, the district administration of Poonch has launched a citizen-centric initiative titled “Report to Support”. This proactive measure is aimed at assisting residents impacted by the recent cross-border shelling incidents along the Line of Control.
The initiative enables residents to report damage to property or livestock via designated WhatsApp numbers specific to each tehsil. By leveraging technology for quicker response, the administration aims to streamline the process of damage assessment, facilitate transparent documentation and deliver timely support to those in need.
Tehsil-wise WhatsApp contact numbers
Tehsil Haveli: 9906198432
Tehsil Mandi: 9622249091
Tehsil Balakote: 7006458657
Tehsil Mankote: 7006385343
Tehsil Surankote: 7889810611
Tehsil Mendhar: 9622347276
District officials clarified that this digital reporting mechanism does not replace the standard ground verification process but is intended to complement it. Field teams from the administration will continue to visit affected areas to conduct formal and thorough damage assessments. “This is about ensuring that no family is missed, no loss goes unreported, and support reaches every household that needs it,” a senior district official stated. “The use of WhatsApp will enable faster registration of damage reports, especially in remote or high-risk areas where access may be temporarily hindered.”
The public has been advised to ensure the accuracy of the submitted information and to report only genuine, first-hand damage related to their own assets. An official from the administration will contact the sender for spot verification, based on the submitted data. This initiative reflects the administration’s broader commitment to accountability, fairness, and citizen engagement. It also underscores a growing emphasis on integrating digital tools into governance and disaster response, ensuring that communication gaps are minimised and public services are more responsive and inclusive. Local residents have welcomed the move, with many expressing hopes that it will speed up relief distribution and avoid bureaucratic delays. The administration has reiterated that the success of the campaign depends heavily on public cooperation and responsible participation. With “Report to Support,” the district administration of Poonch is setting an example in proactive governance, ensuring that in times of crisis, help is just a message away.
