Srinagar, Apr 30: In response to the recent land subsidence incident in Ramban district, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo chaired a high-level meeting to evaluate the ongoing relief and rehabilitation measures in the affected area. The meeting, held in Jammu, saw the participation of key officials from various departments, both in-person and virtually, to assess the situation and coordinate efforts for assisting the affected population.
Chief Secretary Dulloo sought updates from divisional and district administrations regarding the progress of relief operations and the status of transit accommodations provided to families displaced by the incident. He emphasized the importance of ensuring adequate arrangements for essentials such as bedding, food, water, electricity, medical assistance, and sanitation at the transit accommodations, urging joint efforts to deliver immediate relief in accordance with government norms.
Additionally, he directed officials to prioritize the establishment of road links to the affected areas to facilitate smooth supply distribution and address medical emergencies promptly. The meeting also addressed the damage to power and water infrastructure, healthcare services, and ration distribution, with instructions given to restore and make alternative arrangements as necessary.
Deliberations were also held on the rehabilitation of the affected population, with the Divisional Commissioner and District Commissioner tasked with devising a comprehensive plan considering the ground realities. Collaboration with organizations such as the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and Red Cross was emphasized to provide immediate assistance to displaced individuals.
Local authorities provided updates on relocation efforts, revealing that approximately 90 families comprising 413 individuals had been relocated to safer locations. Transit accommodations were set up at three locations, including community halls and Panchayat Ghar in village Pernote. Measures were also implemented to facilitate the movement of Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs) between Gool Sub-District and other areas.
Furthermore, it was disclosed that studies are underway through the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and Geological Survey of India (GSI) to determine the causes of the land subsidence in Ramban and recommend preventive measures. The administration remains committed to addressing the aftermath of the incident and ensuring the safety and well-being of the affected population in collaboration with relevant stakeholders and experts.
