RAMBAN, Jul 22: Deputy Commissioner Ramban, Mohammad Alyas Khan, today chaired a high-level review meeting to assess the progress of restoration works, availability of essential services and supplies, and the preparedness of departments to effectively deal with any weather-related and other emergencies.
Emphasising the need for a proactive and coordinated approach, the Deputy Commissioner stressed seamless inter-departmental coordination, prompt restoration of essential services and continuous field monitoring to minimise public inconvenience and safeguard lives and property during the ongoing monsoon season.
The meeting was attended by SSP Ramban Arun Gupta, ACR Shokat Hayat Mattoo, CPO Dr. Shakeeb Ahmed Rather, Executive Engineers of PWD, PMGSY, Jal Shakti and JPDCL, Chief Medical Officer, Chief Education Officer, Executive Officer Municipal Council Ramban, representatives of NHAI, Chief Agriculture Officer, Chief Animal Husbandry Officer, District Sheep Husbandry Officer, Tehsildars and officers from various line departments.
Reviewing restoration works, the Deputy Commissioner directed NHAI to ensure that NH-44 remains traffic-worthy from Nashri to Banihal by deploying adequate manpower and machinery at all vulnerable locations for immediate clearance of landslides, mudslides and debris. He also instructed PWD, PMGSY and BRO to expedite restoration of traffic on affected roads under their respective jurisdictions and keep men and machinery in readiness to respond swiftly to any disruption.
Taking an area-wise review, the Deputy Commissioner directed all SDMs and Tehsildars to remain in the field, closely monitor the situation, supervise restoration works and maintain constant coordination with field agencies to ensure prompt response to any emergency. He instructed the Chief Medical Officer to ensure uninterrupted healthcare services and keep medical teams, ambulances and essential medicines ready to tackle any health-related emergency.
The Chief Education Officer was directed to conduct safety audits of all government and private schools before opening of school after summer vacations, while the Executive Engineer, Jal Shakti, was asked to ensure regular monitoring of drinking water quality and take preventive measures to avoid contamination during the rainy season.
The Chief Agriculture Officer, Chief Animal Husbandry Officer and District Sheep Husbandry Officer were instructed to assess losses, if any, extend timely assistance to affected farmers and livestock owners, and ensure the availability of essential agricultural and veterinary services.
The Deputy Commissioner further directed SDMs, Tehsildars and all concerned officers to remain alert, ensure immediate response to public grievances, submit timely situation reports and maintain close coordination with the District Control Room.
SSP Ramban Arun Gupta advised all departments to ensure that workers and machine operators engaged in restoration works are equipped with proper safety gear and that all prescribed safety protocols are strictly followed while working in vulnerable and landslide-prone areas.