SRINAGAR: Deputy Commissioner Anantnag, Dr Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat, on Thursday reviewed the flood preparedness and rescue arrangements in vulnerable areas of the district following continuous rainfall, directing officials to remain on high alert and ensure timely evacuation of families living in high-risk locations.
The Deputy Commissioner visited several vulnerable sites, including Mehndi Kadal, Danter Bridge, Ashajipora Bypass, Deva Colony, Rooh and Aang, to assess the ground situation. He was accompanied by senior officers from the Revenue, Flood Control, Public Works Department (R&B), Police and other line departments.
During the inspection, Dr Bhat reviewed water levels in the Aripat, Bringi and Lidder streams and assessed the measures taken by various departments to minimise the impact of rising water levels. He also inspected the dewatering station at Mehndi Kadal and directed officials to continuously monitor water levels and operate pumps whenever required to prevent waterlogging in the town.
Officials informed him that dewatering pumps had been deployed at critical locations and waterlogging had been cleared from several areas, including KP Road, Janglat Mandi, Ganjiwara, the General Bus Stand and other parts of Anantnag town.
The administration also said that nomadic families, labourers and other vulnerable residents living near rivers and streams had been shifted to evacuation centres at Brakpora, Hiller, Aang, Bijbehara and other safer locations. Embankments along vulnerable stretches of rivers have also been strengthened using sandbags and EC bags at Batengoo, Mehndi Kadal, Deva Colony, Government Medical College Anantnag, Pushwara and Sagam.
Dr Bhat directed all departments to maintain a high level of preparedness and ensure coordinated action to prevent loss of life and minimise damage to property. He instructed that joint response teams comprising officials from the Revenue Department, Police, SDRF, CRPF and civil administration be positioned at strategic locations for immediate response in case of any emergency.
He also stressed the need for prompt evacuation of nomadic groups and labourers residing close to water bodies to designated relief centres equipped with essential facilities.
Interacting with local residents, the Deputy Commissioner appealed to people to avoid venturing near rivers and streams, limit unnecessary travel during the ongoing spell of bad weather and follow advisories issued by the administration.
Officials said the overall situation in the district remained under control, while the administration continued to monitor rainfall and water levels across vulnerable areas.
