Srinagar, Sep 22: The Jammu and Kashmir government has decided to approach the Centre for urgent financial assistance to support people affected by the recent floods. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah chaired a high-level review meeting on Monday to assess relief and restoration efforts across the Union Territory.
Abdullah directed all departments to expedite damage assessments and finalize projections for submission to the Centre. He emphasized the need for durable restoration, instructing the Jal Shakti Department to avoid temporary measures and focus on permanent repair of water supply schemes. Reviewing the safety audit of schools, he urged early certification to ensure student safety.
The Chief Minister also addressed misinformation regarding delays in fruit truck movement along NH-44, clarifying that slowdowns were due to poor road conditions, not deliberate obstruction. He expressed concern over damage to the Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex and called for urgent protective measures.
Officials reported that in Kashmir, 16 houses were fully damaged, 57 severely affected, and 791 partially damaged, with compensation already provided. Around 90 km of roads and 87 bridges were hit, with restoration works ongoing. Over Rs 9.34 crore has been proposed for power sector repairs, while 563 water supply schemes suffered damage. Agricultural losses spanned 12,500 hectares of land.
In Jammu division, floods claimed 150 lives, injured 178, and left 33 missing. More than 4,200 houses were fully damaged, and over 8,600 partially affected. Livestock losses stood at 1,455, while crops across 1,300 hectares were destroyed. Financial aid of over Rs 40 crore has been disbursed.
Abdullah stressed robust preparedness and permanent infrastructure rebuilding, reiterating that a comprehensive restoration package will be pursued with the Centre’s support.
