JAMMU, Jul 21: The Jammu and Kashmir Border Area Development Conference (JK-BADC), a registered organisation working for the welfare and development of border residents, tribal communities has urged the J & K Government to improve flood preparedness and disaster response in Rajouri and Poonch districts after the recent heavy rains.
The organisation stated that the floods caused damage to houses, roads, crops, livestock and other public property in many areas. It appreciated the efforts of the district administration, police, SDRF, volunteers and local residents who worked to help affected families.
BADC organization pointed out that heavy rainfall had already been forecast. It stressed that such warnings should be followed by timely preventive measures, public awareness, advance deployment of rescue teams.
Dr. Shazad Ahmed, Chairman of JK-BADC and former Vice Chancellor, observed that floods and landslides have become a regular feature in the border districts during the monsoon. He added that every year people suffer losses to their homes, crops, livestock and other property. In his view, stronger planning before the monsoon and quicker action during emergencies can greatly reduce such losses.
He urged the Government to complete the damage assessment without delay, provide compensation to affected families, restore drinking water supply, electricity.
The former VC also called for permanent disaster response teams in the border districts. He also suggested that if require J & K govt must also consider aerial evacuation of people and aerial supply of relief material in vulnerable areas.
JK-BADC appealed to the Lieutenant Governor’s Administration to review the recent floods and take steps to improve disaster management in the future. The organisation also urged the Chief Minister to provide adequate funds for rehabilitation of affected families.