State Disaster Management Advisory Committee Vice-Chairmen Vinay Ruhela and Lt Col Raghuveer Singh Bhandari review district-wise progress; priority given to roads, drinking water, schools, irrigation and flood protection 

Lead Reporting

Dehradun: The progress of relief, restoration and reconstruction works following recent disasters in Uttarakhand came under review at a meeting chaired by State Disaster Management Advisory Committee Vice-Chairmen Vinay Ruhela and Lt Col Raghuveer Singh Bhandari, with officials from all districts participating.

The meeting assessed the damage to public infrastructure and the progress of repairs and reconstruction being undertaken by various departments. The two vice-chairmen directed officials to complete pending works on priority and take coordinated measures to restore normal life in affected areas at the earliest.

Road connectivity and drinking water restoration

Reviewing the district-wise status of roads blocked by disasters, Ruhela directed officials to reopen disrupted routes as quickly as possible and accelerate the repair and reconstruction of damaged roads. He emphasised that restoring road connectivity was essential for the movement of residents, delivery of relief supplies and access to essential services in affected areas.

He also reviewed damage to drinking water schemes and instructed departments to restore water supply without delay. Repair of damaged schemes, he said, must be prioritised to ensure that residents do not face prolonged shortages.

Flood protection and reconstruction proposals

The meeting also examined flood-protection works in vulnerable areas. Officials were directed to complete necessary protective and reconstruction measures within stipulated timelines.

Ruhela instructed departments to submit proposals requiring government approval after completing all necessary formalities. He stressed that administrative procedures should not cause unnecessary delays and that work should begin immediately once approvals are received.

Lt Col Bhandari called for prompt examination of proposals submitted by departments for repairing and rebuilding disaster-damaged assets. He directed officials to take effective steps to facilitate timely approvals so that reconstruction work could begin without avoidable delays. He also emphasised coordination among departments in assessing damage, preparing proposals and securing the required clearances.

Schools, irrigation and agricultural losses

Damage to educational infrastructure was also reviewed, including affected school buildings and losses to drinking water facilities, toilets and other basic amenities. Bhandari directed officials to repair essential facilities and undertake reconstruction of damaged school buildings on priority so that students' education is not disrupted and a safe learning environment is maintained.

The meeting further reviewed damage to irrigation canals. Concerned departments were instructed to expedite repairs to ensure that irrigation services remain functional and farmers do not face difficulties.

Taking note of recent hailstorms, the vice-chairmen directed officials to complete assessments of damage to agriculture and other sectors promptly and provide relief and assistance to affected people in accordance with applicable rules.

They reiterated that timely assistance to disaster-affected families must remain a priority and called on departments to act with sensitivity, urgency and close coordination.

Additional Chief Executive Officer (Administration) Prakash Chandra, Additional Chief Executive Officer (Implementation) and DIG Rajkumar Negi, Joint Chief Executive Officer Dinesh Kumar Punetha and other officials attended the meeting.

Disclaimer: This news is written on the basis of information received from different authentic sources.