Sham Choudhary visits Thatri to oversee rescue, relief operations

SRINAGAR, JULY 21:  Minister for PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control Sham Lal Choudhary on the directions of Chief Minister Ms Mehbooba Mufti visited Thathri town in Doda district to oversee the rescue and relief operations launched after the cloudburst hit Thathri town early morning on July 20.

The Minister was accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Doda Bhupinder Singh who apprised the Minister about the joint rescue operation involving local administration, police, SDRF and army launched immediately after the cloudburst incident.

DC said that the water level and silt suddenly rose in a drain after the cloudburst, washing away several structures along its path leading to the main market. Few residential and commercial properties and a school was also damaged by the flash floods, DC informed.

The Minister directed the Deputy Commissioner to start of the work for the restoration of the damaged properties and provision of relief for the victims. He also asked for ensuring best medical treatment to the injured and make arrangements of shelter, food and other facilities for the people affected by the cloudburst and consequent flashfloods.

Sham Lal Choudhary directed the PHE, I&FC department to immediately start the work on restoration of water supply pipes damaged due to flashfloods followed by the cloudburst in the area.  Flood Control department was also asked to take up the related works at the earliest.

The Minister expressed his sympathy with the family of deceased and prayed for eternal peace to the departed souls. He also met the affected families and assured that every possible help will be provided to the them by the government. All necessary instructions have been already issued to the district administration in this regard, he added.

Chief Engineer PHE Jammu Sushil Aima, Chief Engineer I&FC Jammu  Rajeev Gandotra, senior officers of district administration and PHE, I&FC department also accompanied the Minister during his visit to Thathri.