GSI survey in landslide prone areas of Ramban soon: Union Minister
In a move aimed at long-term disaster mitigation, Union Minister 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,” Jitendra Singh said.
The Minister also revealed that Banihal town will soon have a new weather forecasting system, providing localised updates, and announced that Banihal will be brought under Mission Mausam.
The announcement came during a high-level review meeting following the recent spate of incessant rainfall that triggered landslides and caused widespread damage in the region.
Banihal MLA Sajad Shaheen and Ramban MLA Arjun Singh Raju along with officials of the district administration were present at the meeting.
Jitendra Singh also directed the district administration to expedite the restoration of water and electricity supply in the affected areas. He emphasised that unauthorised construction in environmentally sensitive zones must be discouraged, and called on the people to play a role in identifying and prohibiting construction in such areas.
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.
During the meeting, the Minister 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 Rs 3,300 crore, while 27 schemes under the Jal Shakti Department have been affected.
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.Touching on public health concerns, he highlighted that one of the government’s immediate priorities after the disaster was ensuring access to clean drinking water to avoid any secondary epidemics. “Thankfully, there has been no epidemic this time, which shows that we have managed the situation effectively,” he noted.
J & K