J&K Lt Guv declares heavy snowfall as natural calamity under SDRF norms
JAMMU: Extending the muchneeded relief to the people of snow-bound areas, lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha declared ‘heavy snowfall as state-specific natural calamity under the SDRF norms.
Sinha was chairing a meeting to take stock of the winter management, particularly, snow clearance efforts of the administration, with all DCS and SSPS of Kashmir division, through video conferencing, at the Raj Bhavan here on Sunday.
Pertinently, ‘heavy snowfall was not figuring in the list of ‘natural calamities under SDRF norms, due to which disbursement of relief and ex-gratia for the damages due to heavy snowfall was not possible for the districts’ disaster management authorities.
Due to declaration of ‘ heavy snowfall’ as a ‘natural calamity’; processing of ex- gratia relief under SDRF will become faster, thereby giving a huge relief to the affected public of snow bound areas.
Sinha sought a detailed report on issues and problems being faced by the public due to heavy snowfall and future course of action of the administration at all levels to overcome the challenges thereof.
On being apprised about the shortage of small rescue vehicles for the movement of people requiring medical assistance, particularly in remote areas and areas having narrow lanes, the Sinha directed that 4x4 rescue vehicles/ambulances be provided to snow-affected districts with immediate effect for helping the people in distress.
He asked the officers to be more sensitive and responsive to the issues of the public and take requisite measures to minimise the difficulties of common people.
“Be visible and take early measures. Need more feet on the ground. Quickly reach out to the people to address their needs and requirements,” he told the officers.
He lauded the efforts of employees working on the ground in challenging climatic conditions.
He directed for rationalising deployment of machinery and equipment for snow clearance from the roads.
Taking cognisance of media reports, social media posts and grievances received from the public, Sinha asked the administration to identify gaps and take immediate corrective measures to fill the same to redress the issues of the people. He also directed the officers to continuously monitor the situation and work in synergy with various departments to avoid any inconvenience to the people.
Traffic halted as retaining wall of bridge collapses in Ramban
JAMMU: Traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar highway was halted on Sunday evening after the retaining wall of a bridge collapsed at Seiri area in Ramban district, officials said.
They said that there is no passageway for the traffic to move, leaving the vehicles stranded near the spot close to the Jawahar tunnel. ADGP (J&K traffic) T Namgyal said that the retaining wall has collapsed as a result of which, there is no space for the traffic to move. The vehicular movement will remain halted on Monday as well.