SRINAGAR: Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch have decided to deploy Village Level Committees (VLCs) to assess damage caused by recent cross-border shelling. The decision was taken during a meeting chaired by Deputy Commissioner Vikas Kundal, aimed at coordinating verification efforts across affected areas.
The meeting was attended by senior district officials, including the Additional District Development Commissioner, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Assistant Commissioner Revenue, Tehsildar Haveli, and Headquarters Tehsildar. Sub Divisional Magistrates of Surankote and Mendhar, along with Tehsildars of Mandi, Mankote, Surankote and Balakote, joined the meeting virtually.
The Deputy Commissioner outlined the formation of on-ground assessment teams comprising officials from the Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department, Revenue Department, Animal and Sheep Husbandry, Public Health Engineering, Public Works Department, and PMGSY.
These teams will visit affected villages to document damage to structures, classifying them into three categories—full, severe, and partial. Damaged property will be further identified as private, commercial, or government-owned.
The Deputy Commissioner stressed the need for prompt and transparent assessment, directing departments to cooperate fully. All documentation is to be supported with written records and photographs. The district administration will review progress in the coming days and hold follow-up meetings to address challenges.
