KATHUA: District Development Commissioner, Kathua, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary today visited various areas of tehsil Ramkote and Billawar to assess the losses suffered to crops, houses and essential services due to heavy rainfall and hailstorm earlier this week. Large stretches of crop field and supply lines have been reportedly damaged and restoration works under way.
DDC visited sites of various Government and Private buildings damaged in Billawar and directed the concerned departments for taking up immediate repair of buildings. Revenue officials have been deputed for assessment of losses to crops and private property especially residential houses so that composite case is submitted to Government for providing relief. He also assured the public of prompt response to their demand for relief in cases of damaged property and crops in the area.
He also visited the sites of various developmental works where reports were received about construction work abandoned by PWD of buildings of Education Department and Health Department in Sukrala. Directing action against officials for delay in construction of two important buildings and called for completion of work within a period of six months.
Deputations of local inhabitants of Sukrala also met the Deputy Commissioner and apprised him about water scarcity in the areas and demanded revival of water supply scheme line from Machhedi to Sukrala. PHE department has been asked to immediately prepare a plan of action for restoration of WSS Machedi to Sukrala for benefit of local people and visiting pilgrims.
Later DDC also visited various places in Ramkote Tehsil to assess the damages and pace of developmental works. Executive Engineer PWD was directed for taking up repair works along the road from Chadwal to Billawar where OFC cable is being laid by BSNL. Revenue department officials briefed the DDC about losses to crops and houses and pace of assessment work in progress. SDM Billawar R S Charak, Executive Engineer PWD, PMGSY, Tehsildars, BDOs and officers of line departments accompanied the DDC during visit to Billawar and Ramkote Tehsils.