With evacuation almost over, focus is on restoring essential infrastructure: Chief Secretary

The entire state machinery has been deployed on war footing for the rescue and relief works, and as a result most of the stranded people have been rescued either by restoring roads or by aerial operations. The state government has also set up camps at several places to provide shelter, food supplies, medical aid and other essential help to the rescued and needy people. This was stated by Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena here today while chairing a meeting with department secretaries and Deputy Commissioners (DCs) of all districts to monitor the rescue, relief and restoration work and to review the losses and damages in the state due to the recent spate of heavy rainfall.

The Chief Secretary stated that thousands of relief forces personnel, police forces, local administration and machinery are working day and night to deal with one of the worst nature’s fury the state has ever witnessed. The government, in its initial response to the calamity, has prioritized the evacuation of the people stuck up at different areas of the state. he said that Thursday proved to be ‘blissful day for rescue team’ because almost every stranded person has been safely evacuated. He said that around 300 persons from Chandartal have been sent in vehicles for Kaza and were expected to reach there by the evening. Similarly, people from Sangla valley have also been evacuated.

Prabodh Saxena directed the secretaries and deputy commissioners to ensure that all the essential services were being smoothly operated in the flood torn areas. He told the officers that the restoration of roads, power and water supplies, medical facilities, communication services, especially mobile connectivity and fuel supplies should be in focus and any financial assistance needed to do so will be provided immediately by the government.

“I have spoken to all the DCs and took stock of the prevailing situation and challenges being faced by them in bringing normalcy in their areas and  was informed that most of the major roads, communication lines, power supplies, and water pumping stations have been repaired and are functional.” said he. He further directed the officials to quickly restore the remaining roads, power supplies and other essential services in the shortest time possible.

Prabodh Saxena further directed the officers to send a rescue team of professionals to the various vulnerable trekking routes and passes to ensure no one is stuck there.

He also took stock of losses and damages suffered by the Public Works Department, Jal Shakti Vibhag, Power Department, Transport, Tourism, Industries, Energy, Agriculture, Horticulture and other departments, boards and corporations.

He directed the officer to ensure that vendors do not engage in malpractices like illegal hoarding and price inflation.