NEW DELHI/JAMMU, Sept 4: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh, on Wednesday announced that the Government of India will install four additional weather radars in Jammu and Kashmir under Mission Mausam to strengthen district-wise weather forecasting and early warning systems. Three such radars are already operational in the Union Territory.
Chairing a high-level review meeting via video conference with the Divisional Commissioner Jammu and Deputy Commissioners of Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, Kathua and Udhampur, Dr. Singh directed the Ministry of Earth Sciences and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue district-specific forecasts for weather-affected regions of North India, including J&K, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Punjab.
He instructed Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Dr. M. Ravichandran, and IMD DG Dr. M. Mohapatra to maintain round-the-clock monitoring and ensure timely forecasts to minimize losses through early warning and preparedness.
The Minister, who represents Udhampur in Lok Sabha, appreciated the efforts of the local administrations in conducting round-the-clock rescue and relief operations amid heavy rainfall, flash floods, and cloudbursts. He emphasized ensuring potable drinking water and essential medical kits to prevent outbreaks of water-borne diseases. Two additional consignments of ration kits and advanced water filters are being dispatched, in addition to relief provided from his MP funds.
Dr. Singh conveyed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is personally monitoring the situation and has directed the administration to expedite relief efforts. He added that Union Home Minister Amit Shah has constituted an Inter-Ministerial Committee to assess damages and ensure coordinated assistance, with a visit to Kathua scheduled today.
During the meeting, Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar gave a detailed presentation on damages and casualties. The Deputy Commissioners of the affected districts reported on the situation:
- Udhampur: 38 relief camps set up for 2,000 displaced people; 380 roads damaged, 190 restored. Connectivity improving except in remote areas of Dudu Basantgarh and Moungri.
- Kathua: 26 relief camps housing 1,900 people; 285 roads damaged, 179 restored; efforts underway to revive 186 damaged water schemes.
- Ramban: Cloudburst in Drubla on August 29 killed four, left one woman missing; 283 houses damaged, 950 people evacuated. Ongoing road restoration despite repeated damage from fresh rains.
- Doda: Flash floods in Rout Marmat disrupted connectivity on the Doda-Kishtwar road; timely intervention in Bhaderwah prevented large-scale inundation.
- Kishtwar: Five workers trapped in a landslide at the Rattle Power Project were rescued alive and are receiving treatment.
Dr. Singh commended the swift actions of district administrations and highlighted the role of civil society and local bikers who acted as first responders, calling them heroes of the crisis. He assured that the Centre and UT administration are working hand in hand and “no effort will be spared to provide relief and rehabilitation.”
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