Srinagar, Sep 22 (NationPress) The government of Jammu and Kashmir announced on Monday its intention to reach out to the Centre for rapid assistance to support those affected by the recent floods in the Union Territory.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah led a crucial meeting to thoroughly assess the flood relief and restoration efforts in Jammu and Kashmir.

He urged all departments to hasten their evaluations so that necessary projections for relief and rehabilitation could be promptly forwarded to the Centre.

During the meeting, he inquired about the funds allocated during the floods and learned that in various districts, these funds were used for temporary restoration efforts. Emphasizing the need for long-term solutions, he instructed the Jal Shakti Department to focus on permanent restoration of water supply systems rather than temporary fixes.

Abdullah also assessed the safety audits conducted on schools post-floods, urging for a fast-tracked certification process. Addressing misinformation circulating on social media about delays in fruit truck movements on the NH-44 (Srinagar-Jammu Highway), he instructed the Divisional Commissioners and the IGP, NH, to disseminate accurate information promptly to keep the public informed.

He was informed that slow movement was attributed to poor road conditions in some areas of the National Highway and not due to any intentional delays.

During the gathering, Abdullah expressed concern regarding the damage to the historic Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex in Jammu.

Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar, reported that land subsidence along the Circular Road had adversely affected the rear of the complex, highlighting the urgent need for protective measures.

The Chief Minister urged his Council of Ministers to swiftly finalize departmental projections and for district authorities to align figures with departments to generate accurate data for a consolidated proposal to be sent to the Centre for a comprehensive restoration package.

He emphasized the need for robust preparedness, enhancing embankments, and implementing effective response mechanisms to protect lives and properties.

Additionally, he directed the respective Deputy Commissioners to prepare a report regarding the eligibility for ex gratia relief for the families of those from J&K who lost their lives in the recent landslide in Himachal Pradesh.

Earlier, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg provided a detailed report on the flood impacts, revealing that losses in the Kashmir division included 16 houses completely destroyed, 57 severely damaged, and 791 partially impacted, with relief already distributed in all instances.

Tragically, one life was lost, and compensation has been issued, while three additional deaths in related incidents in Anantnag were compensated through the Red Cross. The meeting also covered losses to livestock, damages to cattle sheds, and compensation issued in these cases.

In terms of infrastructure damage, it was reported that nearly 90 km of roads were affected across 279 stretches, with 52 having been restored while the rest are under repair. Eighty-seven bridges and culverts were also damaged, with more than half already restored.

A breach in the Jhelum at Zoonipora in Budgam is currently undergoing repairs. In the power sector, over ₹9.34 crore has been proposed for restoring damaged poles, conductors, and transformers. Out of 563 affected water supply schemes, 385 have been fully restored, while ongoing work continues on the remainder. Safety audits have been completed on 115 school buildings, with certificates already issued for 43 schools.

The Divisional Commissioner Kashmir also highlighted agricultural losses, revealing that over 12,500 hectares of land were affected, with nearly 315 hectares in Horticulture impacted, primarily in Anantnag, Kulgam, and Pulwama districts, leading to estimated losses of around ₹59 lakh. The situation regarding essential supplies was reported as stable, with adequate stocks of petrol, diesel, and LPG available.

Fruit transportation from Kashmir to Jammu and Delhi is progressing smoothly, with over 1.37 lakh boxes already dispatched.

The Divisional Commissioner Jammu presented the situation in the Jammu Division, detailing significant human and material losses. He reported that the floods claimed 150 lives, left 178 people injured, and resulted in 33 missing individuals, with Kishtwar experiencing the highest casualties.

Housing losses were substantial, with over 4,200 homes completely damaged and more than 8,600 partially damaged, particularly in Udhampur and Jammu districts. Livestock losses numbered 1,455, with crops over 1,300 hectares also affected.

The meeting was informed that financial assistance surpassing ₹40 crore has been disbursed from the State Disaster Response Fund, with an additional ₹3.35 crore provided from the HCM Relief Fund.

Restoration efforts are ongoing across various sectors, with over 2,700 km of roads and more than half of the damaged bridges having been temporarily restored. The estimated cost for permanent restoration of roads and bridges is nearly ₹893 crore.

The power sector has also suffered extensively, with over 49,000 distribution transformers affected, most of which have now been restored.

More than 2,000 water supply works were damaged, with approximately 1,600 temporarily restored, necessitating nearly ₹195 crore for permanent restoration.

The education sector was notably impacted, with over 8,800 schools undergoing safety audits. More than 5,500 have been issued safety certificates, with around 5,200 deemed safe while 758 were classified as unsafe.

Regarding public health, 442 water samples were tested, and over 1,500 health camps were organized, screening nearly 80,000 individuals. Fortunately, no warnings of disease outbreaks have been reported.

Chief Minister Abdullah reiterated the commitment to expedite the permanent restoration of infrastructure and livelihoods once a comprehensive package is sanctioned by the Centre.

The meeting included participation from Ministers Sakina Itoo, Javed Ahmed Rana, Javid Ahmed Dar, and Satish Sharma, along with Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani.

Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary to the CM Dheeraj Gupta, the Principal Secretary PWD, the Commissioner Secretary of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, the Secretary of School Education, the Inspector General of Police, NH, Deputy Commissioners, and other relevant officials were also present, with several joining virtually.