Surinder Choudhary, Satish Sharma visit rain-hit areas in Jammu

Jammu, Sep 7: Senior leader of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference and Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, along with Cabinet Minister Satish Sharma and Provincial President (Jammu) Rattan Lal Gupta, conducted an extensive tour of the rain-affected regions of Rah, Saylote, Pargwal and Barkhal Narsingh Pura areas to assess the situation on the ground and extend support to the affected families.

As per a statement issued on Sunday, earlier, Surinder Choudhary visited Kangri Panchayat in Sunderbani; the Deputy CM met the bereaved family that recently lost a mother and daughter in a tragic wall collapse and distributed relief cheques from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund. Expressing heartfelt condolences, Choudhary assured the family that the government stands firmly with them in this hour of grief and will extend all possible assistance for their rehabilitation.

The Deputy Chief Minister also visited Rah Saylote Pargwal, Barkhal, Malabala, Narsingh Pura and other adjoining villages of Pargwal, where he took stock of the widespread damages caused by heavy rains and landslides in the areas mentioned.

He reviewed the ongoing relief and rehabilitation efforts and directed officials to expedite aid distribution and infrastructure restoration.

Highlighting the need for long-term solutions, Deputy CM Choudhary announced the allocation of 5 Marla plots on stable land to affected families, subject to feasibility tests by the Department of Geology and Mining. He stressed the importance of conducting a comprehensive geological audit of the entire region to identify vulnerable zones and prevent future disasters caused by cloudbursts, landslides, and flash floods.

Accompanied by Cabinet Minister Satish Sharma and NC Provincial President Rattan Lal Gupta, he also visited relief camps in Rah Salyote and interacted with the displaced families. The leaders listened to grievances related to drainage, road safety, and embankments, assuring the public that their concerns will be addressed promptly.

Cabinet Minister Satish Sharma reiterated the government’s commitment to the people, stating that Satish Sharma distributed relief material to the flood-hit people.

“This is a difficult time for our people, but I assure you that no family will be left unattended. The government is taking every possible step to provide relief, restore essential services, and support the affected households in rebuilding their lives.”

He also directed the PWD and Rural Development Departments to initiate urgent restoration of damaged roads, culverts, and internal link roads to ensure smooth connectivity and facilitate swift relief distribution.

Provincial President Rattan Lal Gupta urged party workers to remain steadfast in their outreach and continue serving as a vital link between the affected population and local administration.

Lastly, Surinder Choudhary, Satish Sharma and Rattan Lal Gupta went to the house of Shri Krishan Lal Panchayat Choura Block Chowki Choura, where four persons died in the Shri Machail Mata Yatra cloudburst, and conveyed heartfelt condolences to the deceased's family on behalf of Omar Abdullah, the Chief Minister of J&K, and assured them of the full support of the government.

The Deputy CM concluded his visit by reaffirming the administration’s high alert status until complete normalcy is restored and assured the people that he will personally monitor the progress of relief and rehabilitation work.

Among those who were present were S Tejinder Pal Singh Aman, Provincial President of Jammu YNC; Yashu Vardhan Singh, Additional Spokesperson of Jammu; Ashok Sharma, District President of Rajouri Rural; Vivek Sharma, Media Incharge of the Pir Panjal Zone; and other party functionaries of the Pir Panjal Zone.