CS reviews post-earthquake relief, rehabilitation measures

SRINAGAR, (KMW News): The State Executive Committee headed by Chief Secretary Mohammad Iqbal Khanday Monday reviewed the relief and rehabilitation efforts underway in the earthquake affected districts of Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban.
Deputy Commissioners of the affected Districts via video link presented the latest assessment reports and informed the committee about the relief and restoration works being carried out in response to the calamity.
Over 80,000 families mostly in Doda and Kishtwar have been affected due to the earthquake of 1st May and post-earthquake aftershocks. The losses to the public infrastructure have been assessed to the tune of nearly Rs. 100 cr with major damage been reported in Doda where public infrastructure worth Rs 89.10 cr has been damaged.
Chief Secretary asked the Divisional and District administration to extend relief to all affected families in the form of shelter, tents, and free ration along with carrying out immediate temporary restoration works of damaged public infrastructure particularly related to Power, R&B, PHE, Health and school education.
He directed that Rs 25 Cr under SDRF already released for providing ex-gratia relief in cases of death, injury and damage to property, livestock etc. should be distributed among all the affected people and additional requirement of funds under SDRF if any should be communicated for release.
Chief Secretary called for ensuring distribution of free ration in all affected areas with directions to the CAPD for sending in advance the required quantum of ration to these districts for next month also.
While reviewing the status of facilities being provided to the school children, Chief Secretary directed the divisional and district administration to carry out repair and restoration of all partially damaged schools. The Deputy Commissioners informed the meeting that fully or severely damaged schools are currently being run in open areas, tents, rented accommodations and other safe areas.
The District Civil and Police administration was asked to coordinate and run awareness and basic level training programmes for informing people regarding the precautionary measures needed in the event of further shocks. Police and civil administration was asked to maintain high level of alertness and regular contact with all village level units to ensure a structured and planned relief and response.
The meeting was informed that Pamphlets highlighting safety and other measures to be adopted are being distributed among people. Meanwhile, experts from National Disaster Management Authority have held meetings with engineers regarding earthquake resistant structural construction techniques. Local Masons and carpenters should also be given basic training regarding earthquake resistant construction, the committee observed.
Director General of Police, Mr. Ashok Prasad, Financial Commissioner, Revenue, Dr. Arun Kumar, Principal Secretary, Planning and Development Mr. B R Sharma, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. B. B. Vyas, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu Mr. Pradeep Gupta, Commissioner Secretary, Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation, Mr. Vinod Koul, Commissioner Secretary, CA&PD Mr. Mohammad Abbas, Principal Chief Conservative of Forest and other senior officers attended the meeting.