07/09/2025
DM Reasi Stresses Prioritizing Ration Supply and Relief Distribution in Disaster-Hit Areas
Reviews ongoing restoration works for connecting vital road links.
Reasi, 7 September : District Magistrate Reasi Nidhi Malik, IAS, who also serves as Chairperson of the District Disaster Management Authority, conducted a comprehensive review of restoration works across the district. The review focused on road connectivity, power and water supply restoration, ration availability, and relief distribution in the subdivisions of Katra, Mahore, and Dharmari.
The District Magistrate directed the Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) to ensure that landslide-prone roads are opened for traffic only after proper clearance and favorable weather conditions, stressing that safety must not be compromised. She instructed them to explore alternate routes wherever necessary to maintain essential connectivity.
To ensure timely relief, the District Magistrate asked SDMs and Tehsildars to oversee the immediate distribution of relief supplies—including tents, mattresses, and blankets—on a rational and need-based basis, prioritizing the most affected households.
Special emphasis was placed on PMGSY and PWD roads in Mahore subdivision, with the DM directing XENs to fast-track clearance of key roads such as Arnas–Chillad Road, Dhamini–Deval Road, Sadgu–Bariot Road, and several critical roads in the Chassan block including Dangakote and Bagankote, so that essential supplies can reach remote areas without delay. Roads leading to depot stations were directed to be cleared on priority to ensure continuous supply chains and prevent shortages.
During the review, the DM also discussed the Arnas–Sawalkote link issue with SDM Dharmari, noting that the matter has already been taken up with the Railway authorities to strengthen connectivity for both people and supplies. SDM Mahore was instructed to ensure that relief camps are well-equipped with all necessary facilities for the affected population.
The XENs raised the issue of muck from GREF’s work being dumped on roads, leading to frequent obstructions and re-blocking even after clearance. The District Magistrate assured that the matter would be escalated and taken up with higher authorities. She further directed that a joint meeting of GREF officials and the Mahore subdivision administration be held today to address and resolve these concerns.
The District Magistrate further reviewed the status of electricity and water restoration, directing the XEN PHE to make all water schemes at least partially functional at the earliest, and the PDD to expedite power restoration, particularly in remote areas.
In addition, she assessed the progress of damage assessments in agriculture, horticulture, sheep husbandry, and animal husbandry sectors, directing departments to complete the process swiftly through SDMs so that relief measures can be extended to farmers without delay.
The District Magistrate emphasized that all line departments must work in close coordination to restore normalcy and ensure that essential services and relief reach every affected household promptly. ADC Reasi Rakesh Kumar, CPO Narinder Kumar, ACR, SDMs, XENs, District officer