CEC, LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon on July 20 chaired a high-level review meeting at the Council Secretariat to assess the impact of the recent flash floods that have affected several parts of the district, particularly Sankoo sub-division and other vulnerable areas.

The meeting was attended by Executive Councillors, Deputy Commissioner/CEO LAHDC Kargil, Additional Deputy Commissioner Kargil, Superintending Engineers of PW(R&B), PHE/I&FC and Mechanical Division, Project Officer Wage Employment (ACD), Chief Animal Husbandry Officer, Chief Agriculture Officer, Divisional Forest Officer, General Manager NHIDCL, Sub-Divisional Magistrate Sankoo, Executive Engineers of M&R (PDD), Mechanical Division, I&FC, PMGSY, PHE and SVD Sankoo, Director Command Area Development (CAD), and the Block Development Officer, Sankoo.

Reviewing the extent of the damage, Dr. Akhoon sought detailed reports on losses to public infrastructure and the progress of restoration works. He directed the Irrigation and Flood Control Department to expedite repairs to damaged headworks, canals, secondary canals, irrigation channels and drinking water infrastructure. Stressing the importance of uninterrupted essential services, he instructed departments to ensure temporary drinking water supply arrangements until permanent restoration is completed.

The CEC directed all departments to speed up restoration of damaged infrastructure and work in close coordination to provide immediate relief to affected residents. He instructed officials to complete assessments of damaged houses, standing crops, livestock and public assets on priority and ensure that all eligible relief under SDRF and NDRF norms is processed without delay.

Deputy Commissioner Kargil briefed the meeting on the district's disaster response, informing that the District Control Room has been functioning round the clock to coordinate rescue, relief and restoration efforts. He also updated the meeting on the restoration of road connectivity, including work on NH-301 and other affected routes.

The Deputy Commissioner informed that formats for damage assessment and compensation claims have already been circulated to all departments. He directed officials to complete documentation within the stipulated timeline so that proposals for disaster notification and compensation under the prescribed norms can be submitted to the competent authority without delay.

During the meeting, it was informed that nearly 500 to 550 secondary irrigation canals have been damaged by the flash floods. Concerned departments were instructed to undertake immediate temporary restoration while preparing proposals for permanent reconstruction.

Dr. Akhoon further directed officers posted in the affected sub-divisions to remain stationed at their headquarters and maintain close coordination for prompt emergency response. He also instructed departments to utilize available machinery and permissible funds under various schemes for temporary restoration wherever feasible.

Emphasizing long-term disaster mitigation, the CEC directed departments to remove boulders, debris and other obstructions from flood channels and nallahs to ensure the free flow of water. He also stressed restoring the original width and natural course of nallahs and canals to reduce the risk of future flooding.

The Animal Husbandry Department briefed the meeting on livestock losses and the process of extending compensation under SDRF and NDRF guidelines. The Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Sankoo, informed the meeting about the constitution of survey teams and the progress of damage assessment in affected villages.

Concluding the review, the Deputy Commissioner said the recent flash floods underscore the need to strengthen disaster preparedness. He emphasized discouraging construction along natural drainage channels, preserving the original alignment and width of nallahs, improving inter-departmental coordination, optimally utilizing departmental machinery during emergencies, and ensuring timely completion of documentation after disaster notification.

Dr. Akhoon appreciated the prompt response and coordinated efforts of the district administration, Police, SDRF, volunteers, civil society organizations and all line departments during the emergency. He also acknowledged the support of local volunteers and community members in rescue and relief operations.

Reaffirming LAHDC Kargil's commitment to the welfare of the affected people, the CEC assured full logistical and administrative support for relief, restoration and rehabilitation efforts and urged all departments to continue working in close coordination until normalcy is restored across all affected areas.