RAMBAN: In a move aimed at long-term disaster mitigation, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh has issued directions for a detailed scientific survey to identify landslide-prone areas and zones across the Ramban region. He suggested that the Geological Survey of India (GSI) be engaged to conduct a comprehensive mapping exercise, citing the increasing frequency of cloudbursts in the area as a serious concern.

"A geological survey would scientifically identify the landslide-prone areas in this region to prevent future catastrophes," Dr. Jitendra Singh said.

The Minister also revealed that Banihal town will soon have a new weather forecasting system, providing localized updates, and announced that Banihal will be brought under Mission Mausam.

The announcement came diring a high-level review meeting following the recent spate of incessant rainfall and a devastating cloudburst that triggered landslides and caused widespread damage in the region.

MLA Banihal, Sajad Shaheen, and MLA Ramban, Arjun Singh Raju-both from National Conference-along with DDC Chairperson Shamshad Shan from National Conference and DDC Renuka Katoch from BJP actively participated in the meeting and shared their inputs. Representatives from Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and various public delegations also voiced their concerns and sought urgent assistance for the affected communities.

Dr. Jitendra Singh also directed the district administration to expedite the restoration of water and electricity supply in the affected areas. He emphasized that unauthorised construction in environmentally-sensitive zones must be discouraged, and called on society to play a role in identifying and prohibiting construction in such areas.

Dr. Jitendra Singh also announced the provision of critical care ambulances under the Member of Parliament Local Area Development (MPLAD) fund to support emergency healthcare in disaster-hit areas of Ramban region.

Dr. Jitendra Singh stated that the MPLAD funds would be flexibly deployed for relief and rehabilitation wherever necessary, including convergence with other government schemes. "These funds will be available wherever the government finds it necessary, either for convergence purposes or otherwise, to assist in the ongoing relief and rehabilitation processes," he said, highlighting the urgency of swift response mechanisms in such calamities.

During the meeting, Dr. Jitendra Singh was informed that the natural calamity claimed the lives of three individuals and led to the loss of 1,442 livelihoods. A total of 515 structures, including 465 residential houses, were damaged. Nearly 400 households remain without drinking water, and six habitations continue to face power outages due to the washing away of transformers. The Horticulture sector alone has suffered an estimated loss of ₹3,300 crore, while 27 schemes under the Jal Shakti Department have been affected.

Dr. Jitendra Singh also directed the district administration to expedite the restoration of water and electricity supply in the affected areas. He emphasized that unauthorized construction in environmentally-sensitive zones must be discouraged, and called on society to play a role in identifying and preventing such activity. The Minister revealed that Banihal town will soon have a new weather forecasting system, providing localized updates every three hours, and announced that Banihal has now been brought under Mission Mausam.

Recalling his earlier commitments to the region, the Minister commended the district administration's swift response to the recent emergency, terming it "commendable under the circumstances." He lauded the coordinated efforts of civil society, local bodies, and government agencies, describing it as a reflection of a "whole-of-government and whole-of-society" approach.

Dr. Jitendra Singh also held discussions with the Chief Minister and various local stakeholders, assuring them that this would not be a one-time meeting but part of a continued engagement to strengthen disaster response systems. He remarked that while topographical and climatic shifts - including new highways and changing rainfall patterns - pose forecasting challenges, proactive scientific interventions can go a long way in minimising risks.

He further pointed out that existing schemes such as PM-Kisan may need adjustments to reflect today's climate realities, especially as agricultural practices evolve. Referring to successful pilot initiatives in Himachal Pradesh, he mentioned how lab-based and climate-smart farming technologies have begun to alter cropping patterns and productivity, hinting at similar models for Jammu and Kashmir.

Touching on public health concerns, the Minister highlighted that one of the government's immediate priorities after the disaster was ensuring access to clean drinking water to avoid any secondary epidemics. "When clean drinking water is compromised, it increases the risk of outbreaks. Thankfully, there has been no epidemic this time, which shows that we have managed the situation effectively," he noted.

The Minister affirmed that proposals from the district administration regarding special relief packages have already been sent to the concerned Union Ministries and are under active consideration, with no objections raised so far.

As the Ramban region grapples with the aftereffects of the cloudburst, the Minister's announcements signal a twin-track approach of immediate relief and long-term resilience building. With increasing instances of extreme weather, such interventions, he noted, are not just necessary - they are inevitable.