CS reviews relief, rehab for Ramban land sinking victims

Srinagar, May 4:  Ahead of the review to be taken by the Union Home Secretary regarding the land subsidence in village Pernote of Ramban district, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo Saturday took stock of measures taken up, so far, by the administration towards relief and rehabilitation of the affected population.

The chief secretary had a detailed assessment of the relief measures being initiated by the divisional administration to provide succour to the affected families.

He asked about the health status of the victims besides taking appraisal of the aid being extended by the local administration to those affected.

Dulloo enquired about the total damage caused to the livelihoods of the affected people and asked for working out long-term rehabilitation measures.

He also interacted with the scientists of GSI, who provided insights into the scientific reasons behind this natural calamity.

The chief secretary also asked about their recommendations for taking preventive measures to avoid such incidents in future.

He asked them to conduct a detailed analysis of this area given the historical incidents that occurred previously in the area.

Dulloo called for having a broad analysis of all the critical infrastructure present in this area like transmission towers, railways, water distribution networks and roadways so that the requisite plans are formulated accordingly.

He also reviewed the status of the alternative link connecting Gool Sub-division to Ramban and asked for the restoration of affected services and utilities on a war footing.

Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Ramesh Kumar, provided detailed information about the relief measures being carried out by the administration saying that the affected families are being given relief as per the standard SDRF norms.

He said that the district administration provided relief under the categories of ex-gratia for damaged structures, loss of utensils and clothing, assistance for land loss, fodder and feed for animals besides providing tents and making arrangements for food.

The Divisional Commissioner Jammu also suggested certain measures regarding the permanent rehabilitation of the affected families.

He presented the status of the restoration of utilities in the area and the progress on the restoration of the 400 kV transmission line.

The meeting was also attended by ACS Jal Shakti and FC Revenue; ACS Forests; Principal Secretary, Home; ADGP, L&O; Secretary Revenue; Secretary, DMRR&R; DC Ramban, and representatives from Geological Survey of India (GSI).