Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday announced the constitution of Inter-Ministerial Central Teams (IMCTs) to assess the damage caused by recent floods in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and Uttarakhand.
Shah arrived in Jammu on Sunday at 9:35 p.m., where he was received by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, senior civil and police officials, and senior BJP leaders. Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Intelligence Bureau Director Tapan Deka, BSF DG Daljit Singh Chawdhary, and senior officers from NHAI, IMD and other security agencies were also present.
Before his arrival, Shah announced the formation of IMCTs for the flood-hit states and J&K to evaluate the extent of destruction caused by incessant rains, floods, cloudbursts and landslides.
The IMCTs will carry out on-the-spot assessments of the situation and review the relief work undertaken by state and UT administrations.
Home Minister will chair a high-level meeting at Raj Bhawan at 11:30 a.m. to review the damage caused to government infrastructure and private property. He is also scheduled to conduct an aerial survey of affected areas, including Katra and Kishtwar, where lives were lost and infrastructure was severely damaged due to cloudburst-triggered floods.
In a statement, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said it is in constant touch with senior officials of the affected states and Union Territory, and has extended all necessary logistical support. This includes deployment of NDRF teams, Army personnel, and Air Force helicopters engaged in search, rescue, and restoration of essential services.
“The Central government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the states affected by natural calamities in mitigating the hardships faced by the people,” the MHA said.
He is also expected to visit flood-hit localities in Jammu and meet affected families. Shah will also review the damage to fencing and border posts along the International Border with Pakistan.
(With inputs from IANS)