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Category: ENVIRONMENT

Published: 22 February 2017

• Chairs maiden meeting of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Department

JAMMU: Minister for Revenue, Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation & Reconstruction Abdul Rehman Veeri today stressed on maintaining close synergy between various departments for disaster mitigation. The Minister today chaired a high level maiden detailed review meeting of department of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (DMRRR) here.

Financial Commissioner (DMRRR), BB Vyas, Financial Commissioner Revenue Lokesh Jha, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Commissioner Secretary Revenue, Secretary FC&CAD, Director FC&CAD Jammu, MD HPMC, Special Secretary DMRRR, Director Finance (DMRRR), Director Disaster Management, Relief Commissioner Migrants, DC Migrants were present in the meeting. Financial Commissioner DMRRR BB Vyas in a detailed power point presentation informed the Minister about the progress of the department in PM’s Development Package for flood assistance, Disaster Management, World Bank funded Jammu-Tawi Flood Recovery Project- (JTFRP), issues related to migrants and Shivratri arrangements. 

Under the Prime Minister’s Development package, the Minister was informed that out of Rs 1194.375 crore, Rs 1024.07 crore have been disbursed among flood victims through DBT mode for assistance of severely/partially damaged 73000 Kuchcha houses and 158000 Pucca houses. The Minister was also informed that requirement of funds of Rs 44.67 crore for 6880 beneficiaries has also been referred to National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). Regarding the Disaster Management preparedness, the Minister was informed that Government has initiated the process of setting up of Emergency Operation Centers (EOCs) at district level in both divisions.

Mr Veeri was also informed that Fire Safety audit of major hospitals and Civil Secretariat has been initiated.  The Minister was also apprised that 200 volunteers would be trained in flood disaster response under Aapida Mitr Scheme in Srinagar. Regarding the safety in schools, Mr Vyas said that schools safety guidelines prepared by NDMA have been conveyed to School Education and Higher Education Departments for implementation.

The meeting was also apprised that process has been initiated for the grant-in-aid under 13th Finance Commission for Capacity Building for Disaster Response. Mr Veeri was also informed that World Bank has sanctioned  Rs 1500 crore for funding permanent reconstruction including reconstruction of multi-hazard resistant infrastructures, building capacities to respond better, risk proofing of non-farm livelihoods, strengthening disaster management capacity; building human and institutional capacities better technical support to risk reduction and response preparedness.

Regarding the progress of Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project (JTFRP), Mr Veeri was informed that River Morphology study of River Jhelum and River Tawi has been initiated and Terms of Reference (ToR) have also been prepared for Hazard and Vulnerability Assessment with special focus on Urban Seismic Vulnerability.  The meeting was also apprised that World Bank has agreed to execution of projects by JKPCC to an extent of the overall loan amount and 26 projects with aggregate cost of Rs 231 crore. To provide hassle free modern medical care facilities to the Kashmiri migrants, the Minister was informed that medical insurance policy would be launched with a provision of Rs 5 crore in the Budget.

While reviewing the arrangements for Shivratri festival, the Minister was informed that Director FC&CAD Jammu has been directed to provide cash assistance and ration at all migrant camps in advance for the month of February.  He also directed the officers to ensure uninterrupted water and power supply to all the migrant camps.  Director Horticulture, Planning and Marketing was also asked to setup stalls of necessary items at migrant camps.  The officials of the Fisheries department were also directed to setup fish outlets in respective areas of migrants.