Kathua, Oct 8: District administration, Kathua, has established 16 relief camps where more than 6000 migrants from 43 border villages have been shifted in view of heavy shelling across International Border in Hiranagar sector. District Development Commissioner Kathua has put Block Development Officer, Hiranagar under suspension for dereliction of duty and unauthorised absence.
According to official spokesperson, an early evacuation was started last evening keeping in view the inputs regarding expected firing from across the border. A number of meetings were organised in various villages for sensitising public and shifting them to camps in a smooth manner. Official spokesperson said, "Major relief camps have been set up at Hiranagar-A, Hiranagar-B, Chhan Khatrian, Marheen, Kootah, Gadhyal, Haria Chak, Plat, Kanachak and Chak Kahan. "As many as 61 school buildings and 18 Panchayat ghars have been notified as relief camps and 30 health institutions declared a emergency centres. At Hiranagar 1300 migrants camping, 600 at Hiranagar-B, 1500 at Chhan Khatrian, 500 at Marheen, 350 at Haria Chak, 290 at Chadwal, 250 at Kootah and 800 at Chak Kahan, he added. "Administration has provided 38 quintal ration, 32000 biscuit packets, 8400 water bottles, 6000 blankets, 30 carpets, 50 tents, 50 Tarpaulin, 30 LPG light systems for power supply, 160 medical kits at 16 first aid centres and deployed 16 District Officers as Camp Officers apart from 27 nodal officers while coked food was provided at all the camps.
Arrangements have been put in place for round the clock power supply, spokesperson said. Meanwhile Deputy Commissioner, Kathua Dr Shahid Iqbal personally supervised the establishment of camps and provision of supplies at all the camps. The DC accompanied by SSP Mohan Lal, ADC Prasanna Ramswami, Asstt Commissioner Revenue, SDM Hiranagar, SDPO Hiranagar, ExEn PHE, PDD, Mechanical, PWD, Asstt Director CAPD, Tehsildars and BDOs visited all the camps and forward areas. DC and SSP during their repeated visits to these camps assured all help from district administration and also elaborated the plan of action for further evacuation. A total of 57 villages have been affected directly or indirectly. Firing continued during the day time and till late evening. Joint teams of administration, police and BSF also visited all the villages. A central response centre has been established at Hiranagar for supply of essential items and services for all the camps and new camps to be established.
Meanwhile District Development Commissioner Kathua placed Block Development Officer, Hiranagar under suspension for dereliction of duty and unauthorised absence. BDO Kathua had been directed to take over the charge and he established the relief camp at Hiranagar. Addl DC Kathua has been directed to hold an enquiry in the matter for further departmental action against the delinquent BDO. |
