Also Inspects Flash Flood-Damaged Protection Bund Along Riverbed, Directs Early Restoration Measures
DH NEWS SERVICE
POONCH, Jul 23
In the wake of the recent flash floods and landslides that affected several parts of Poonch district, Deputy Commissioner Ashok Kumar Sharma on Thursday conducted an extensive inspection of various water pumping stations to assess the damage caused to drinking water infrastructure and review the ongoing restoration efforts. The visit was aimed at ensuring the early restoration of water supply services and strengthening flood protection measures in vulnerable areas.
During the inspection, the Deputy Commissioner examined the functioning of several pumping stations that supply drinking water to different parts of the district. He reviewed the condition of the infrastructure damaged by the recent natural calamity and took stock of the arrangements made by the Jal Shakti Department to restore disrupted water supply. Officials briefed him about the extent of damage to pumping stations, pipelines and related infrastructure, as well as the progress of repair works undertaken after the floods.
Ashok Kumar Sharma stressed the importance of restoring drinking water services without delay, particularly in areas where residents have been facing difficulties due to damage caused by heavy rains and flash floods. He directed the Executive Engineer and other officials of the Jal Shakti Department to take immediate and effective measures to ensure the smooth functioning of all affected pumping stations. He instructed them to complete restoration work on a priority basis so that safe drinking water is made available to all affected households at the earliest.
The Deputy Commissioner also visited the riverbed to inspect the protection bund that sustained damage during the recent flash floods. He reviewed the condition of flood protection structures and assessed the impact of the floods on vulnerable locations along the river. During the inspection, officials informed him about the extent of erosion and damage to embankments caused by the strong flow of water.
Expressing concern over the damage to protective infrastructure, Sharma directed the concerned authorities to undertake immediate restoration and strengthening of the damaged bunds and other flood protection works.
He emphasised the need to reinforce vulnerable stretches to minimise the risk of further damage during the ongoing monsoon season. He also instructed officials to identify other vulnerable locations across the district and implement preventive measures to protect lives, property and public infrastructure from future flood-related incidents.
The Deputy Commissioner underlined the importance of coordinated efforts among various departments to ensure that restoration works are carried out efficiently and completed within the shortest possible time. He said that timely action is essential not only to restore public services but also to improve preparedness against similar natural disasters in the future.
During the visit, Sharma also interacted with local residents affected by the floods and listened to their grievances and concerns. People informed him about the challenges they were facing due to damage to water supply systems, roads and other public infrastructure. The Deputy Commissioner assured them that the district administration was fully committed to addressing all genuine issues on priority and would extend every possible support for relief, restoration and rehabilitation.
He reiterated that restoring essential public services and rebuilding damaged infrastructure remain among the administration’s top priorities. He assured the residents that all concerned departments have been instructed to work in close coordination to ensure speedy restoration of normalcy and timely assistance to affected families.
The inspection was accompanied by Additional Deputy Commissioner Poonch Tahir Mustafa Malik, Assistant Commissioner Revenue Muhammad Sayeed, Executive Engineer JPDCL Aftab Ahmed, Chief Executive Officer Municipality Khalil Ahmed Banday and other concerned officers. The district administration reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring uninterrupted drinking water supply, strengthening flood protection infrastructure and providing comprehensive support to communities affected by the recent flash floods and landslides.
