ANANTNAG, JULY 23: Amid continuous inclement weather and heavy rainfall, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Anantnag, Dr. Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat, Thursday conducted an extensive tour of various high-risk locations, vulnerable riverside areas, and major streams (Nallahs) across the district to assess the situation on the ground.
The DC toured critical sites including Mehndi Kadal, Danter Bridge, Ashajipora Bye Pass, Deva Colony, Rooh, and Aang to observe the ground situation. He was accompanied by ADC, Dr. Muzamil Maqbool Beig; SE Hydraulics, Sareer Ahmad Wani; SE PWD, Syed Ishfaq Ahmad; ACR, Tariq Ahmad Malik; Tehsildar Anantnag, ExEn Flood Control, CEO and Secretary MCA and officials from other essential services.
During the visit, the DC reviewed the water levels of key water bodies, including the Aripat, Bringi, and Lidder Nallahs, and evaluated the safety and mitigation measures implemented by the Flood Control, Public Works Department (R&B), Revenue, Police, SDRF, and other concerned agencies. He inspected the dewatering station at Mehndi Kadal and asked the concerned officers to closely monitor the water levels and act immediately when required, to avoid water logging in main town.
The DC was informed that dewatering pumps have been actively deployed at crucial choke points and waterlogging has been cleared at major spots, including KP Road, Janglat Mandi, Ganjiwara, General Bus Stand, town interiors and other roadside areas. He was further informed that a number of nomadic, labor, and vulnerable families have been safely relocated to fully operational evacuation centers at Brakpora, Hiller, Aang, Bijbehara, and other high risk places. Further, strengthening of river embankments by Sand and EC Bags has been carried out at various breach prone places including Batengu, Mehndi Kadal, Deva Colony, GMC Anantnag, Pushwara and Sagam.
Taking stock of the situation, the DC directed that all departments must remain in a high state of alert and readiness to prevent any untoward incident related to life of residents and to minimise property damage. He called for seamless pre-positioning of joint response teams comprising officials of Revenue, Police, SDRF, CRPF, and civil administration at safer and strategic locations to ensure swift rescue operations, if required. He instructed for the prompt evacuation of nomadic groups, and labour communities residing near water bodies to nearby emergency shelters equipped with essential facilities.
Interacting with local residents during his visit, the DC urged citizens to remain calm, avoid venturing near rivers and streams, restrict unnecessary travel until the weather improves, and strictly adhere to official advisories.
While the overall situation in Anantnag district remains under control, the District Administration is continuously monitoring weather patterns as well as water levels and is prepared to handle both emergency mitigation and post-rainfall recovery.
