MLA Mehraj Malik has urged the Jammu and Kashmir government to initiate long-term measures for flood-affected areas of Thathri in Doda district, including a scientific assessment of losses, the relocation of vulnerable families, and disaster mitigation planning following the recent flash floods that damaged homes, shops, vehicles, and infrastructure.
According to details received by The Chenab Times, Malik addressed a letter dated July 9 to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, requesting a Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA), the declaration of severely affected localities as flood-prone areas wherever technically feasible, and the preparation of a comprehensive relocation and rehabilitation plan for residents living in unsafe locations.
In the letter, the legislator stated that Thathri town and adjoining areas, including Kahara and Chilly-Pingal in Doda district, have witnessed repeated flash floods and cloudburst-related disasters over the past several years. He said these recurring events have caused extensive damage to residential houses, roads, bridges, drains, culverts, commercial establishments, agricultural land, and other public and private assets, increasing the vulnerability of local communities.
Malik requested the government to constitute a multi-departmental PDNA committee to carry out a scientific assessment of losses and direct the concerned departments to prepare Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for the reconstruction of damaged public infrastructure.
He also sought the declaration of severely affected localities as flood-prone or high-risk zones, wherever technically feasible, to facilitate future planning and disaster mitigation measures.
The letter further called for the preparation and implementation of a comprehensive relocation and rehabilitation plan for families residing in unsafe and vulnerable locations. It proposed suitable alternate housing, adequate relief, fair compensation for substantial private property losses, and measures to restore livelihoods.
In addition, Malik urged the government to formulate and implement a long-term disaster mitigation strategy, including slope stabilisation, flood protection works, drainage improvements, early warning systems, and other resilient infrastructure aimed at reducing the impact of future disasters.
The legislator stated that the residents of Thathri have shown resilience despite repeated natural calamities and are looking to the government for a sustainable and permanent solution that ensures their safety, security, and dignified rehabilitation.
Copies of the communication were also forwarded to the Principal Secretary, Department of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction; the Divisional Commissioner, Jammu; and the Deputy Commissioner, Doda.
The request comes in the aftermath of the recent flash floods in Thathri, which caused extensive damage to residential and commercial properties, disrupted traffic on National Highway-244, and prompted restoration and relief operations by the district administration.
The Chenab Times News Desk