J&K CM announces Rs 6 lakh ex gratia for kin of rain-related victims, L-G reviews flood situation
Jammu, July 20
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday announced an ex gratia relief of Rs 6 lakh for the next of kin of those killed in rain-related incidents in Rajouri and Poonch districts, while Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha reviewed the flood situation across the Union Territory.
Expressing profound grief over the tragic loss of lives caused by the flash floods, landslides and other rain-related incidents, the Chief Minister said that while no amount of financial assistance can compensate for the irreparable loss suffered by the affected families, the Government stands firmly with them during this difficult time.
"While no amount of financial assistance can ever compensate for the irreparable loss of life caused by yesterday's flash floods, landslides and other rain-related incidents in Poonch and Rajouri, an ex gratia relief of Rs 6 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased as an immediate measure of support for the bereaved families," the Chief Minister said.
The relief package comprises Rs 4 lakh from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and an additional Rs 2 lakh from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund (CMRF).
The announcement follows the high-level review meeting chaired by the Chief Minister in the aftermath of the devastating flash floods and other rain-related incidents that struck the twin districts of Rajouri and Poonch, resulting in multiple fatalities and widespread damage to public and private property.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister directed the administration to ensure immediate relief and rehabilitation of the affected families, stressing that all possible assistance should reach them without delay.
He also underscored the need for coordinated efforts by all concerned departments to restore essential services and expedite relief measures in the affected areas.
Meanwhile, L-G Manoj Sinha reviewed the situation following heavy rains, flash floods, and landslides in several districts of the Union Territory. The Lieutenant Governor spoke with the senior officials and directed swift relief and infrastructure restoration in affected areas.
In a post on X, the Lieutenant Governor said: "I spoke to Senior Officials today to assess the impact of heavy rains, flash floods, and landslides. I am deeply saddened by the loss of two lives in Doda, and my heart goes out to their families.
"Emergency teams, including the NDRF, SDRF, J&K Police, and the Army, are deployed and are on high alert in vulnerable areas. Key roads in Poonch, Rajouri, Reasi, and Udhampur have been reopened, and work to restore water supplies in several areas is ongoing.
Field teams have also been directed to evaluate damage to houses and public infrastructure", the Lt governor said.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Typical knee-jerk reaction by politicians - announce a number, grab headlines, but implementation is always slow. My cousin's family in Rajouri still hasn't received any relief from last year's floods. Let's hope this time the money actually reaches the victims quickly and not get stuck in bureaucracy. 🙏
Good to see both CM and L-G on the same page for relief work. At least the roads have been reopened quickly this time. But we need better early warning systems and drainage infrastructure in these hilly areas - same story every monsoon unfortunately. Kya karein, development takes time.
Living in Srinagar, I've seen how these flash floods wreak havoc every year. Rs 6 lakh seems arbitrary - why not link it to inflation or actual loss? Also, why only SDRF and CMRF? Why not involve corporate CSR in long-term rehabilitation? Just my two cents as a concerned citizen.
As someone who lost a relative in the Uttarakhand floods, I know financial compensation can't bring back loved ones. But the prompt response from CM and L-G is commendable. Hope they also focus on mental health counseling for survivors - trauma is real and often ignored in such disasters.
Another year, another flood, another announcement. But seriously, why don't we learn from countries like Japan or Netherlands about flood management? Our politicians only come during disasters for photo ops. At least the Army and NDRF are doing their job selflessly as always. Jai Hind 🇮🇳
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