Anantnag, September 3,2025:Minister for Health, Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo, along with Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, visited Anantnag district to take first-hand stock of the prevailing flood situation in south Kashmir.
During the visit, the Minister and Advisor inspected the flood gauge station at Sangam and reviewed the latest water level readings with officials of the Irrigation and Flood Control Department. They were briefed on discharge levels, forecast trends, and precautionary measures being undertaken to prevent damage and ensure timely response in case of further rise in water levels.
The Minister emphasized that safeguarding public health and safety is the government’s foremost priority. She directed officers to maintain round-the-clock monitoring of river levels, remain vigilant, and keep emergency response plans ready. Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani highlighted the need for coordination among line departments, stressing on real-time information flow to district administrations and local communities for effective disaster preparedness.
Later, the Minister and Advisor chaired a review meeting at Anantnag district headquarters with MLAs Altaf Ahmad Wani, Abdul Majid Larmi, Reyaz Ahmad Khan and Zaffar Ali Khatana, Deputy Commissioner Anantnag Syeed Fakhruddin Hamid, engineers, and other concerned officers. ADDC Shopian and officers from Shopian district also joined the meeting virtually.
The meeting focused on flood preparedness in Anantnag and Shopian, directing officers to:
- Ensure continuous monitoring of water levels in rivers and streams.
- Disseminate timely alerts to the public through control rooms.
- Prepare for swift evacuations in vulnerable areas.
- Maintain adequate stock of ration, drinking water, medicines, and essentials.
- Deploy mobile medical teams in flood-prone areas.
The Minister and Advisor also reviewed the functioning of disaster management teams, urging coordinated efforts between civil administration, police, and local volunteers. They reiterated that safeguarding lives remains the top priority and appealed to the people to remain calm but cautious, follow advisories, and extend full cooperation to the administration.
