MENDHAR, JULY 23 — Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology, Environment, and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, conducted an extensive on-ground inspection of flood-damaged areas across Mendhar in Poonch district today to evaluate flash flood destruction and review ongoing relief and rehabilitation efforts. Accompanied by SDM Mendhar Imran Kataria and key departmental heads, the Minister visited several severely impacted localities, including Chajjla, Mankote, Dabraj, Balnoi, Bhatidhar, and Salwah. During interactions with local residents and affected families, Rana assessed private and public property losses, listened to immediate safety and material concerns, and assured the public of the administration’s unwavering backing during the crisis.
Emphasizing the urgency of recovery efforts, Minister Rana declared that the government would not rest until life and critical infrastructure are fully restored across Jammu and Kashmir. Acknowledging the widespread destruction caused by heavy rains across the Pir Panjal region, he affirmed that restoring public utilities and rehabilitating displaced families remain top priorities, with adequate resources already being mobilized. Beyond immediate relief, Rana highlighted the urgent need for robust, long-term disaster resilience. He directed officials to focus on strengthening flood control infrastructure, improving regional drainage, executing scientific slope stabilization, and adopting sustainable climate mitigation strategies to safeguard vulnerable communities from future natural calamities.