ANANTNAG: Sakeena Itoo, Minister for Health, Medical Education, Social Welfare, and Education, on Wednesday conducted a comprehensive tour of South Kashmir districts to review flood preparedness amid ongoing heavy rainfall. Following directions from Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, she visited Kulgam, Shopian, Pulwama, and Anantnag, holding meetings with district officials to assess the response measures in place.
At Kulgam, Itoo evaluated the district’s flood management plans, directed officers to monitor water levels closely, and emphasized early identification of vulnerable spots along streams like Veshow and Vethyatru. She urged immediate flood mitigation work and long-term solutions for low-lying areas. District officials presented a detailed overview of current preparedness, including rescue and relief readiness.
In Shopian, she reviewed essential services such as power, water, and healthcare, stressing the importance of uninterrupted services and vigilance in vulnerable zones. She directed departments to stay alert and coordinate closely, urging the public to follow advisories and avoid risky areas. Officials from departments including health, R&B, police, and disaster management attended the meeting.
At Pulwama, Itoo assessed disaster preparedness for potential floods, focusing on rescue operations, vulnerable zone identification, embankment conditions, and supply chains for essentials. She emphasized timely relocation of at-risk families, especially nomadic communities and those near rivers, and instructed strengthening embankments and maintaining emergency stocks. Deputy Commissioner Pulwama reported a functional Emergency Operations Centre and active control rooms to ensure rapid response.
In Anantnag, she directed officials to monitor flood-prone zones continuously, issue weather advisories promptly, and keep emergency machinery ready. She stressed the importance of relocating families near riverbanks and maintaining fully operational control rooms to address public grievances swiftly. She also instructed the Jal Shakti Department to repair water pipelines in cloudburst-affected Awoora and ensure tanker supplies.
Throughout her visits, Itoo highlighted the crucial months of July to September for disaster management, emphasizing coordination among departments, timely alerts, and proactive measures. She urged departments to keep medical facilities, ambulances, and rescue teams prepared, and advised the public to cooperate with authorities and heed official advisories.
The district officials briefed her on ongoing preparedness activities, including strengthening embankments, removing encroachments, and improving drainage infrastructure. Itoo underscored that the safety and well-being of residents remain the top priority, calling for sustained efforts to mitigate flood risks and ensure rapid emergency responses during the ongoing adverse weather conditions.