Kathua, July 29
The DDC Chairman of Kathua, Col Mahan Singh today undertook a comprehensive visit to the flood-affected far flung areas of Bani and Basohli falling in the district Kathua.
Accompanied by a team of dedicated government officials, Col Mahan Singh conducted a thorough assessment of the damages caused by the recent devastating floods and incessant rains.
During his visit to Bhoond landslide-affected region, Col Mahan Singh observed the severity of the damaged road that connects Basohli Bani areas. He noted that nearly six government buildings, dozens of shops, and numerous residential houses were also severely impacted by the natural calamity.
Expressing deep empathy for the affected individuals and communities, Col Mahan Singh immediately directed the officials accompanying him to initiate swift restoration measures for the affected structures. He emphasized the urgency of the situation and ensured that the necessary support and resources would be provided to expedite the restoration process.
During the visit to village Maskhka, Col Mahan Singh witnessed the unfortunate consequences of soil erosion along the Ravi and Sewa Rivers, leading to the loss of valuable agricultural land. To address this pressing issue, Col Mahan Singh urged the NHPC Sewa 2 Project Incharge, Mr. Madan Lal Sharma, who accompanied him, to play a crucial role in safeguarding the agricultural land. He requested the NHPC to construct protection bunds along the river banks under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative to mitigate further soil erosion and protect the livelihoods of the affected people.
Understanding the importance of connectivity for the welfare of the locals, the DDC Chairman also took notice of the need for a Foot Bridge in Deosal village, which would connect the neighboring state of Himachal Pradesh. He urged the government officials to prioritize the construction of the Foot Bridge, which would not only facilitate ease of movement for the residents but also promote regional development and cooperation.
Later, Col Mahan Singh held a meeting with the General Manager of NHPC and discussed issues faced by the local residents. During the meeting, Col Mahan requested the General Manager to extend support to the flood-affected communities in Bhoond and Bani areas, leveraging the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and the Local Area Development Fund (LADF). He further requested the General Manager to allocate resources from the CSR and LADF funds to provide assistance to the affected people. He also raised the development of sports ground in Village Mashka.
Responding to the Chairman’s request, the General Manager informed Col Mahan Singh that Rs 60 lakhs had already been sanctioned for the development of the sports ground in Village Mashka. This development signifies a step forward in promoting sports and recreational activities within the region.
Later, Col Mahan Singh ventured to Village Mashkah in Draman Panchayat to personally assess the issues faced by the local population. During his visit, the Chairman engaged with the residents, who candidly apprised him of three significant concerns.
The first matter highlighted was the issue of low voltage and inflated electricity bills, causing inconvenience to the villagers. The second demand brought forward by the women of the village was the establishment of a tailoring center. The third issue they raised was resumption of bus service to Hutt-Mashka which had been stopped since a fortnight due to heavy rains in the region.
The DDC Chairman assured them that he would take up the matter with the appropriate authorities to find a prompt resolution.
Among those who accompanied the DDC Chairman include Sarpanch Draman—Madhu Bala, Sarpanch Bhoond Kuldeep Raj, Social Workers – Rann Singh, Babu Ram, Uttam Chand, Vandana Devi, Naib Tehsildar Bhoond, Jagdish Singh, and Flood Control AEE/ JEs and PHE Officials.
