Pulwama, September 4, 2025-As heavy rainfall continues to disrupt life across Jammu and Kashmir, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Pulwama, Dr. Basharat Qayoom, is spearheading relief and monitoring operations in the flood-vulnerable Kakapora areas. Personally on the ground, Dr. Qayoom is engaging directly with affected residents, addressing their immediate grievances, and coordinating every possible effort to deliver timely assistance and relief to the public. This hands-on approach comes amid escalating concerns over flash floods and rising water levels in local streams and the Jhelum River, exacerbated by the ongoing monsoon downpours that have lashed the region for several days.The DC’s proactive involvement underscores the district administration’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property in Pulwama, one of the worst-hit districts in south Kashmir. Accompanied by Additional Deputy Commissioners (ADCs) of Pulwama and Awantipora, Executive Engineers from Irrigation & Flood Control, Tehsildars, police officials, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams, and representatives from health and revenue departments, Dr. Qayoom conducted an extensive tour of flood-prone zones including Karanbal Kakapora, Hatiwara, Samboora, and Bujbagh in Pampore Tehsil, as well as Goripora, Sail, and Chersoo in Awantipora.
The visit aimed to assess water flow, evaluate control measures, and bolster preparedness against potential inundation.During the inspections, Dr. Qayoom issued firm directives to strengthen flood defenses. He instructed Flood Control authorities to maintain round-the-clock vigilance over river embankments, vulnerable spots, and irrigation channels. Field staff and SDRF teams were ordered to remain stationed at critical locations for swift response, while police and revenue officers were tasked with close coordination with locals to facilitate smooth evacuations if needed.
The Health Department was directed to keep medical teams and ambulances on standby, and essential commodities were to be stocked in vulnerable areas to prevent disruptions in public convenience.Emphasizing seamless inter-departmental coordination, the DC stressed the importance of timely information dissemination and active community engagement. “Our priority is the safety and well-being of every resident. We are fully prepared to respond to any emergency, and I urge the public to stay alert, follow advisories, and report any issues immediately,” Dr. Qayoom stated while interacting with locals. He personally listened to residents’ concerns regarding rising water levels, damaged infrastructure, and access to relief, assuring them that grievances would be addressed on priority. This direct engagement has been praised by community members, who noted the DC’s accessibility as a morale booster during the crisis.The flood situation in Pulwama is part of a broader weather emergency in J&K, where the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red and orange alerts for heavy to very heavy rainfall, increasing risks of landslides and cloudbursts.
In Pulwama, low-lying areas like Kakapora have seen water levels surging due to swollen nallahs, leading to partial inundation and road closures. Educational institutions remain shut, and over 500 families in the district have been identified for potential evacuation. Relief camps are being set up, with the Indian Army and local authorities distributing food, tarpaulins, and medical aid.Dr. Qayoom’s leadership in these efforts builds on previous flood management initiatives in the district, reflecting a proactive stance amid recurring monsoon challenges. As forecasts predict continued showers until September 9, the administration is bracing for prolonged impacts, with focus on minimizing damage and ensuring rapid recovery. Residents are advised to avoid riverbanks and stay tuned to official updates for safety.
