SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today issued strict directions for immediate distribution of relief to the flood affected families under State Disaster Relief Fund.
"Whatever relief is available to the affected families under State Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF) should be immediately distributed to them," the Chief Minister said at a meeting attended by top officials of the state.
The meeting was convened to review process of relief and rehabilitation for flood-hit families.
The Chief Minister said the compensation for cattle loss, crop damage, collapsed houses, warm bedding, and clothing etc should be accounted for in delivery of temporary relief to the flood survivors.
He said winter is setting in soon and concerned Deputy Commissioners should spare no efforts and lose no time in distributing the relief promptly.
The Chief Minister said the comprehensive package for the rehabilitation of flood-hit families has been formulated by the state government and is being sent to the Government of India for release of funds after vetting by the state Cabinet.
He said till the time the Special Relief Package is approved by the Centre, the Deputy Commissioners should promptly distribute all sort of temporary relief available under SDRF to the flood affected families.
Omar, who has fixed one week's time for completing the task of distributing compensation to the house owners whose houses are fully damaged in the floods, received brief from Divisional Commissioner on the follow-up action on this issue.
He was also briefed about providing temporary accommodation to the flood-hit families residing on roadsides.
Omar was informed that around 168 families in Srinagar have been identified who are residing in tents on roadsides and a plan is being formulated to provide them temporary shelter.
The Chief Minister stressed the need for early completion of assessment of crop and cattle losses in the devastating flood.
"Give strict directions to the concerned Deputy Commissioners to complete the list of affected families on this count and distribute the compensation to them immediately under SDRF norms," he told the Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir.
The Chief Minister also gave directions for shifting heavy dewatering pumps to Sonawari and other places which are still water-logged.
"Intensify the dewatering operation in these areas," he told the Commissioner Secretary PHE and Flood Control.
He also directed him to accelerate the pace of restoration of PHE system to its full capacity besides normalising the irrigation canals.
"Prioritise the works and complete them speedily," he said.
The Chief Minister also directed for smooth flow of ration to the ration depots in the Valley and Srinagar City to provide the ration to the people for the current month.
He said all efforts should be made to make the ration available in the current month to the consumers particularly in flood-hit areas where free ration is being provided to the affected families.