SRINAGAR: Union Minister of State Jitendra Singh on Thursday said that restoration work in Jammu and Kashmir is progressing on a “war footing” after flash floods triggered by the heaviest rainfall in nearly a century paralysed large parts of the region.
According to Daily Excelsior, Singh said around 30–35 per cent of electricity and water supply restoration has been completed in affected districts, including Jammu and Udhampur, while mobile services are gradually resuming. “Authorities are working round-the-clock to normalise essential services,” he said.
The floods, caused by incessant rain, forced suspension of the Vaishno Devi Yatra and halted train services to Katra. Singh added that arrangements are being made to evacuate stranded pilgrims. “Despite weather warnings, the intensity of rainfall was unprecedented, with IMD terming it the heaviest in the last 99 years,” he stated.
Providing an update, the Minister said that water levels in the River Tawi have receded, but the Chenab has crossed the danger mark, causing extensive structural damage, including to the Tawi Bridge and the historic Madhopur Bridge.
He said coordination between the Army, paramilitary forces, Navy and civil administration remains strong, with schools and colleges ordered shut and people advised to avoid non-essential movement. Singh further noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is personally monitoring the situation and receiving regular updates.
Authorities, he said, are prioritising the restoration of critical infrastructure and public utilities, even as rescue and relief operations continue in the flood-hit areas.
