NEW DELHI: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh today informed that the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) will install 4 additional weather radars in Jammu & Kashmir under Mission Mausam for more accurate forecasts and early warnings. Three radars are already operational in the region.
Chairing a high-level review meeting with Divisional Commissioner Jammu and Deputy Commissioners of Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, Kathua and Udhampur via video conference, Dr. Singh directed the Ministry of Earth Sciences and IMD to issue district-wise forecasts for weather-affected regions in North India, including J&K, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Punjab. He emphasized round-the-clock monitoring and timely alerts to minimize losses through preparedness.
Dr. Singh conveyed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is personally monitoring the situation, while Home Minister Amit Shah has constituted an Inter-Ministerial Committee to assess damages and ensure coordinated relief.
Highlighting relief efforts, Dr. Singh—also the Lok Sabha MP from Udhampur—said special focus is being laid on potable drinking water and essential medical kits to prevent water-borne diseases. Additional consignments of ration kits, state-of-art water filters, food packets and medicines are being arranged, including from his own MP funds.
District-wise Updates:
- Doda: DC Harvinder Singh reported timely intervention at Bhaderwah, where inundation was averted by diverting water channels at Gatha. Flash floods in Rout Marmat damaged the Doda-Kishtwar road.
- Udhampur: DC Saloni Rai informed 38 relief camps house over 2,000 people. Of 380 roads damaged, 190 have been restored. Connectivity remains affected in pockets of Dudu Basantgarh and Moungri.
- Kathua: DC Rajesh Sharma said 26 relief camps shelter 1,900 people. Of 285 roads damaged, 179 have been restored. Out of 186 damaged water supply schemes, 79 are operational. Remote villages remain cut off.
- Ramban: DC Alyas Khan reported a cloudburst at Drubla on August 29 led to 4 deaths, 283 damaged houses, and 950 people evacuated. Roads continue to be restored despite recurrent rainfall.
- Kishtwar: DC Pankaj Kumar Sharma briefed that 5 workers trapped in a landslide at the Rattle Power Project were rescued alive and are under treatment.
Dr. Singh lauded the relentless efforts of local administrations, security forces, and civil society, including biker groups who act as first responders. He said this reflects a whole-of-society and whole-of-government approach in tackling natural calamities.
“No effort will be spared to provide relief and rehabilitation. The Centre and the UT administration are working hand in hand, and I salute the courage of our district officers and frontline workers,” Dr. Jitendra Singh asserted.
