Central Assessment Underway: Reasi and Udhampur Grapple with Rain and Landslide Devastation

A high-level inter-ministerial Central team recently concluded its critical visit to the districts of Reasi and Udhampur in Jammu and Kashmir, undertaking a comprehensive assessment of the severe damage inflicted by the region's recent spell of torrential rains and devastating landslides. The delegation's exhaustive tour aimed to gauge the extent of the calamity and formulate a robust strategy for relief and rehabilitation efforts.

Led by Joint Secretary Ashish Kumar from the Ministry of Home Affairs, the team comprised senior officials representing key ministries including Finance, Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Jal Shakti, Road Transport & Highways, and Rural Development.

This multi-faceted composition underscored the broad impact of the natural disaster, requiring a coordinated response across various sectors.

The team embarked on an extensive ground survey, meticulously inspecting the affected areas across both districts. In Reasi, their itinerary covered a multitude of vulnerable locations such as Arnas, Mahore, Dharmari, Katra, Vaishno Devi, Gulabgarh, Judda, Sarh, Bhaga, Panthal, Ladha, and Pouni.

Similarly, in Udhampur, the team visited Katra, Vaishno Devi, Ramnagar, Majalta, Chenani, Latti, Dudu, Basantgarh, and Pancheri, witnessing first-hand the widespread destruction.

During their visits, the Central team engaged directly with local communities and their representatives. They held vital interactions with District Development Council (DDC) chairpersons, DDC members, Block Development Council (BDC) chairpersons, and other members of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs).

Crucially, they also met with numerous affected families, listening intently to their harrowing experiences and the challenges they now face in the aftermath of the disaster.

The scale of devastation observed was profound. Reports and on-site inspections revealed significant damage to essential infrastructure, including critical roads and bridges that form the lifelines of these mountainous regions.

Homes, many of which were swept away or rendered uninhabitable, bore the brunt of the landslides. Agricultural fields, the primary source of livelihood for many, suffered extensive crop losses, jeopardizing food security and economic stability. Furthermore, vital water supply schemes and power infrastructure were severely disrupted, plunging communities into further hardship.

In every interaction, the Central team reiterated the unwavering commitment of both the Union Territory (UT) and the Central governments to support the affected populace.

They assured local leaders and distressed families that all necessary assistance would be extended to facilitate swift recovery and robust rehabilitation. This assurance aimed to instill confidence and hope amidst the widespread despair.

Following their rigorous field assessments, the team is scheduled to hold crucial meetings with the Chief Secretary and other senior officials in Jammu.

During these deliberations, they will present their detailed findings, observations, and preliminary recommendations, paving the way for the formulation of a comprehensive relief package and long-term recovery strategies. This visit was initiated after the UT government, grappling with widespread damage reported in August, had formally requested Central assistance to cope with the unprecedented scale of the calamity.