 Early Times Report
JAMMU, Sept 4: National Conference Additional General Secretary and former minister, Mr. Ajay Kumar Sadhotra, today sought urgent need for comprehensive flood mitigation measures to safeguard public health and restore normalcy in the aftermath of the recent flash floods that have caused extensive hardship to families across Jammu region. Mr Sadhotra visited flood-affected villages of Marh Assembly Constituency Sangrampur, Patiala Chak, Dhaterial, Marh, Karloop, Rathoa, Taru Chak, Kukerian, Kothe, Gohmanasan and Bhagatpur Gujar Basti, Sohagani. Interacting with the sufferers of the flood, Mr Sadhotra underlined that beyond the immediate physical damages, the larger concern remains the threat of waterborne and vector-borne diseases, which often emerge in the wake of such natural calamities. "Safe drinking water, uninterrupted regulated utility services, and adequate health cover must be ensured on a priority basis," he said, adding that the health authorities should remain in a state of readiness to prevent the outbreak of diseases. Mr. Sadhotra also stressed that relief efforts should not be confined only to restoration of basic services, but must also address the human dimension of the tragedy. Families who have lost household goods, bedding, and clothes require immediate attention. Such losses directly affect the dignity and ease of life of households, particularly those belonging to weaker economic backgrounds. The government must provide special assistance to enable these families to meet essential expenses and restore normal living conditions, he added. Lauding the resilience and spirit of the people in facing such adversities, National Conference Additional General Secretary exuded confidence that the administration will take a compassionate view and complement this spirit with timely and humane interventions. He said National Conference governments have track record of ensuring relief distribution in a fair, transparent, and inclusive manner, ensuring that no deserving family is left unattended. Mr. Sadhotra also commended the efforts of volunteers, social organizations, and youth who have been extending help in various ways to the affected people. He appreciated the efforts of SDRF for organising Medical Camp with the cooperation of locals headed by Ch Vikas which is need of the hour. Reaffirming the National Conference's commitment to the cause of people, Mr. Sadhotra said, "the party at large remains committed to ease of life, especially for those in distress. We consider it our moral, social, and political duty to stand by the people in their hour of need." He said that the party rank and file is proactive in the affected areas and coordinating with the local administration to ensure timely relief and redressal of grievances. Mr. Sadhotra stressed the crucial need of preparing a long-term mitigation and resilience plan to minimize the impact of future disasters, stressing that the Jammu region's topography demands systematic preventive measures. He assured the affected families that National Conference will continue to raise their concerns at all appropriate forums until their lives return to normalcy. Mr Sadhotra, during his visit, was among others accompanied by Raghbir Singh Manhas District President, Baru Ram Bhagat Ex-Sarpanch District Vice President, Charan Dass Bhagat Ex-Sarpanch, Sub Gasita Ram Ex-Sarpanch, Rakesh Sharma YNC District President, Charanjit Singh Block President Marh, Man Mohan, Veerji Bhat, Vikas Choudhary Block President YNC Marh, Aman Singh Vice President YNC, Hardeep Singh Manka, Sukhdev Manhas, Raghu Singh, Jagatar Singh, Ch Ashwani. |
