CM directs for intensifying loss assessment process

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Thursday directed the administration to intensify the assessment of losses to the property and ensure interim relief to the affected families putting the process on accelerated pace. He asked Deputy Commissioners to employ additional revenue teams to fast track the task.
Reviewing the relief and rehabilitation measures in a high level meeting here this morning, the Chief Minister enquired of the status of interim relief being paid to the owners of houses which have collapsed in the devastating floods. He received brief from various administrative secretaries on the supply position of ration, drinking water, healthcare, power and other basic amenities.
The Chief Minister informed that 29 revenue teams have been deployed for assessment operation in Srinagar District and so far over 8000 cases of fully damaged houses have been processed and sanctioned for interim relief. It was stated that out of the total sanctioned cases as many as 7000 house owners of the district have been paid interim relief. It was informed that during the last day about 900 cases have been sanctioned for interim relief.
Omar Abdullah directed for finding ways and means to provide relief to non-gars (small village workers who have no agriculture or other land but are rendering smaller services to farmers for earning livelihood).
The meeting among others was attended by various Ministers, Chief Secretary, Director General Police, Principal Secretaries, Administrative Secretaries and other senior officers.
The Chief Minister was apprised that flood water from almost all villages in the Valley has been dewatered excepting some areas of Sonawari-Sumbal including Odina, Zalpora, Gunchipora and parts of Sarai-Dangerpora etc. It was stated that 25 dewatering pumps have been installed in these areas to free these from flood water.
The Chief Minister also enquired about the raising of buffer stock in Leh, Kargil, Gurez, Tangdar, Machil and similar areas of Jammu Division which remain cut-off during winter months. It was informed that the raising of stocks in these areas is on full swing and the task will be completed shortly.
The Chief Minister was informed that so far over 45000 tonnes of garbage and rubble have been lifted from the Srinagar city since the operation of cleaning of Srinagar city was launched after the flood water receded from the city. It was stated that night operation of lifting garbage from the areas of Bemina, Channapora, Gogjibagh, Rajbagh, Jawahar Nagar, Batmalloo has been extended. It was stated that over 1600 tonnes of garbage and debris have been removed from various parts of the Srinagar city yesterday.
Reviewing the status of Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, the Chief Minister was informed that both-way traffic on the National Highway has been allowed from today and Mughal Road is also through for traffic.