KOTLI (Kashmir English): Authorities in Kotli have finalised emergency preparations to protect citizens from possible damage during the upcoming monsoon rains. A high-level meeting was held on Friday under the leadership of Deputy Commissioner Major (R) Nasir Rafiq, where officials from multiple departments presented their safety and action plans.
Departments including Roads, Civil Defence, Electricity, Education, Agriculture, and Health shared their strategies to minimise risks to lives and property during the monsoon rains. The Deputy Commissioner instructed officials to remove all unauthorised billboards from public areas and ensure that only registered ones remain.
He also ordered departments to conduct geographical mapping of flood-prone areas and prepare action plans to handle emergencies. Machinery to clear roads and blocked paths during monsoon rains must be kept fully operational, he said.
Deputy Commissioner Nasir Rafiq instructed sub-divisional magistrates to enforce Section 144 by banning swimming in rivers, streams, and canals. He asked the local SHO to conduct raids near Thalliar to prevent people from swimming in the river. Parents were urged to strictly prohibit their children from swimming in such areas.
The Agriculture Department was directed to launch awareness campaigns to help farmers protect their crops from heavy Monsoon rains. Plans were also ordered for the removal of harmful weeds like Parthenium, with support from other departments where necessary. The public will be educated through workshops and social media campaigns.
The Education Department has been asked to raise student awareness about climate change and environmental hazards. Schools near the Line of Control (LoC) will conduct safety training to prepare students for emergencies like shelling.
Assistant Commissioners were also asked to ensure the stock of gas cylinders and petrol, and to seal any pump that refuses to provide petrol. Daily stock reports must be submitted. Plans for evacuation should be prepared in case relocation of the population becomes necessary.
The Assistant Commissioners and revenue officers were told to regularly inspect the Kotli control room. The DHO was asked to ensure the availability of anti-snakebite and anti-rabies vaccines at tehsil and BHU levels.
The Highways XEN reported that sliding management has been done at Khori, Rehman and Akbari bridges, and near Jandi Gala. Preventive measures have also been taken to avoid potential sliding near Gulpur Bazaar and Dongi.
On a public complaint, the Deputy Commissioner directed the Deputy Director of Local Government to ensure the presence of Union Council secretaries at their posts. He concluded by saying, “We have a dual responsibility to protect both our lives and those of others.”
In addition, the Food Department has been instructed to keep flour supply routes open even during heavy monsoon rains, and fuel stations are required to maintain gas and petrol stocks. Any refusal to sell petrol could lead to strict action, including the sealing of the station.
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