Jammu, 27 July (H.S.): MLA Udhampur East, Ranbir Singh Pathania today conducted an extensive visit to the landslide-affected areas of Udhampur, with special focus on Village Sundla of Majalta tehsil where the devastating land subsidence that occurred last September has once again become active during the current monsoon season.

Accompanied by officers of the Revenue Department, PMGSY, PHE, PDD and other line departments, besides local public representatives, Pathania undertook a detailed spot inspection of the affected area. A comprehensive review meeting was subsequently held at Panchayat Ghar, Sundla to assess the present situation and chalk out immediate as well as long-term measures.

Pathania strongly criticized what he termed as the continued delay, administrative indifference and lack of urgency in implementing the rehabilitation package announced after last year’s disaster. He said that a few affected families are still compelled to reside in damaged temporary tents, which is unacceptable, particularly during the ongoing rainy season. He demanded that fresh tents, relief material and safer temporary accommodation be provided immediately until permanent rehabilitation is completed.

Reviewing the functioning of the Rural Development Department, Pathania reiterated that beneficiaries receiving SDRF assistance should not be denied benefits under PMAY-G/Awaas Plus, as SDRF is merely a disaster relief mechanism and cannot substitute housing assistance. He stated that the matter had already been discussed with the Administrative Secretary, Rural Development Department, and necessary clarification should be issued immediately so that no eligible family is deprived of permanent housing assistance.

Reviewing the status of rehabilitation, Pathania urged the District Administration to immediately pursue pending cases relating to allotment of five marlas of land to eligible affected families and sought a definite timeline for completion of the process. He further recommended that other vulnerable habitations, particularly Tirshi and Gandala should also be scientifically assessed and, wherever required, suitable rehabilitation including land allotment may be considered before similar disasters strike those areas.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar