Srinagar, September 11
With the government failing to show up, youth from various localities of Srinagar are coming to the rescue of flood-hit people.

Mudasir Ganaie, a resident of Baghat Habib colony, has rescued more than 50 people in three days even when he had no professional training to steer a boat. “I saw people stranded on their rooftops and crying. I couldn’t bear it,” said Mudasir who along with his two friends has spent these days rescuing women and children from their homes in flooded areas.

“A child whom we rescued from Gogji Bagh was stranded on a water tank. He had tin roof scratches on his back. I haven’t seen so much tragedy in my life,” he said.

Another youth who has been helping in rescue operations in the Raj Bagh, Jawahar Nagar and Gogji Bagh areas reveals the horrific scenes in the localities which have turned into a sea. “There wasn’t any help from the government. When people saw us they screamed, telling us to save them but we were helpless. We could not carry more than four people on a boat,” he said.

“We mostly saved women and children who had been without any food.”

Mudasir said: “A house had collapsed in Gogji Bagh and three people were hanging from its tin roof. We put our lives at risk and saved them with the help of a rope,” he said.

Residents whose families are yet to be evacuated are disappointed with the state and Central governments as there have not been enough measures such as drinking water, motor boats or shikaras to save lives.

“The Flood Control Department is nowhere to be seen. There are no boats. Some people are buying private boats and tubes to save their families,” said Ghulam Mohidin. “It was not a big task for the government to get 1,000 boats and rescue people. All the people would have been saved with timely measures,” Mohidin said.

Locals say the government did not issue proper instructions or made announcements. “When there is curfew, you can see police vehicles roaming in all localities. Why didn’t the government caution people in advance when the Jhelum was rising. People died in their sleep due to the carelessness of the government,” said Mehraj-u-Din, who has been staying at a mosque with his family and children.

Meanwhile, choppers are seen doing the rounds of Srinagar. People say they had come to airlift bureaucrats and their families.

“Choppers keep roaming whole day but only to airlift VIPs,” said a woman, Mumtaz Malik of Srinagar.

“Yesterday, a chopper flew close to our house. People were screaming, begging for help. But the screams fell on deaf ears. It had come to airlift some officials from the government quarters,” Mumtaz said.

Katra, September 11
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board today extended assistance to the people displaced during rain and landslides in Reasi district and adjoining areas of Udhampur.

Chief Executive Officer of the Board MK Bhandari said in continuation with the assistance in the form of food packets for flood victims sent to the Deputy Commissioner, Jammu, on September 9, the Shrine Board has distributed 250 blankets among the displaced population of Dera Baba Bahadur, Tanda and Masoo villages in Reasi tehsil. — TNS

Rajouri, September 11
With rain and floods taking a heavy toll on the road infrastructure in the state, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) today said it would take at least a year to restore complete connectivity.

“About 3,000 km road, including 1,200 km in the hilly areas, has suffered a heavy loss and needs at least one year for restoration,” said Chief Engineer, Sampark, BRO, Brigadier Biswajit Bhatacharya.

He also admitted that the Defence road (Mother ridge road) in Rajouri has also been damaged badly and need a week’s time for restoration.

Brigadier Bhatacharya, however, said it would be premature to calculate the quantum of loss at this stage.

“It is premature to calculate the quantum of loss at this stage, but it may cross Rs 1,000 crore and we need additional machinery, man power, funds, which include 260 officers, 230 supervisors, 400 General Reserve Engineering Force (GREF) employees and about 5,000 casual paid workers,” he said.

The officer also said three major bridges in twin districts of Rajouri and Poonch have suffered loss in the flash floods, resulting in snapping connectivity between Poonch-Chakan da Bagh, Poonch-Kalai road and Rajouri-Budhal-Mahore-Reasi road.

The Poonch-Kalai road was thrown open on Wednesday. As far as the Rajouri-Budhal-Reasi and the Poonch-Chakan da Bagh road was concerned, these would be restored within next 72 hours as we are in process to bring make-shift bridges from other places, said Brigadier Bhatacharya.

The Chief Engineer appreciated the cooperation by the people in making temporary connectivity on the Jammu-Poonch highway. He, however, said at many places like on the Surankot-Bafliaz stretch people didn’t allow the General Reserve Engineering Force employees to construct roads on their lands and demanded compensation.

“The restoration and repair works can be started at any time, but issues like land compensation, clearance from the Forest and Environment Department, Revenue, may take long time. In this regard I had meetings with the Deputy Commissioners at Poonch and Rajouri and they assured an immediate response,” he said.

Talking to The Tribune Brigadier Bhatacharya said at many places between Rajouri and Poonch the roads have been washed away and for that the General Reserve Engineering Force requires new land.

“At present, about 100 machines have been pressed into service. Connectivity in the entire J&K will be restored within next few days. As far as complete restoration of damaged roads is concerned, it is time consuming and needs fast track decisions,” the Chief Engineer said.

The officer said he had high hopes from the present Union government and restoration work will be started soon.

He further said the Reasi-Jammu road had been cleared for traffic via Katra while the Poonch-Rajouri-Reasi road via Poni would be restored soon.

Suryachak, September 11
With no relief in sight, the flood-affected people in 45 villages of the Phalian Mandal on the outskirts of Jammu rue the government apathy and say it was only due to the efforts of the Army that they were alive.

With people busy in cleaning the slush from their damaged houses, the area exhibits a picture of destruction.

“Nothing has left with us, except our lives. Our crop is destroyed. Foodgrains are not even available in the village shops,” said Mohan Lal, an ex-serviceman from village Surya chak.

“The administration has asked us to fill the compensation forms, but people here need immediate relief. The administration has not done anything for us till now. It is just because of the Army that we are alive today. They made the bridges, installed mobile charging points and shared their food with us,” he said.

With a population of 1.5 lakh, Phalian-Mandal was cut off from the rest of the world for four days after the bridge connecting Suryachak and Barjala village was washed away in the flood.

The locals said Sumb-Toph, Bajera Chak, Sardari chak, Panhotre Chak, Kullian, Rambagh and Makwal camp were the worst affected villages. “MLAs, MPs, politicians, DCs, everyone is coming to see the destruction but nobody is doing anything for us. They not even asked us about our problems,” said Jumma Ram of Ganeshu Chak village.

“There is no electricity, people have lost their homes. Water has still not receded from their houses, they are living in slush, dozens of cattle have died. But the administration is just marking its attendance by visiting the village,” he said.

Srinagar, September 11
In the midst of commotion caused by nature’s fury are stories of compassion and selflessness in the Kashmir valley.

Working professionals, students and businessmen of Kashmiri origin worldwide have got together to try to help people back home. Many non-Kashmiris are working with zeal as well.

A student in Bengaluru, Adil hails from Kulgam in south Kashmir. He is among the first to organise a coordinated effort to save people back home.

On hearing about floods, he contacted his friends in Kashmir. He simultaneously organised a Facebook and Twitter campaign, seeking whereabouts of the people trapped.

He compiled a list of people affected and contacted the Punjab branch of the National Disaster Management Force (NDRF), which directed him to contact the Delhi office, Adil said.

“On the first day, I was able to give information about the location of about 30 families to the NDRF and the Army,” Adil said.

He said they received around 2,000 calls per day since September 8. He added that he prepared sheets with addresses of people trapped and forwarded those to the NDRF and the Army.

Adil said, “My family is untraceable and I do not know where they are. That does not deter me from working.” He was constantly updating his Facebook page and giving people hope.Shifting their focus to relief, they had already collected 450 blankets, 150 life jackets and some stock of medicines, which had been sent to Srinagar.

Many other Kashmiris are actively involved in rescue and relief work. The Kashmiri volunteers in Delhi is one such group.

It dispatched boats, tents, life jackets, medicines, baby food, chlorine tablets and about 5,000 litres of water. Faheem Shah of Lex Alliance Delhi, a legal firm, raised money, particularly for people in camps. Sana Sultan and many expatriate Kashmiris had been instrumental in raising money for flood victims in London. Sana said, “We have raised about 10,000 pounds via gofundme.uk.”

The official Facebook and Twitter pages of the Army had been drawing a huge following. The Army was regularly updating the pages and providing information about people who had been rescued.

Leading the way Adil of Kulgam, studying in Bengaluru, organises Facebook & Twitter campaign, compiles list of people affected, gives information about locations Faheem Shah of Lex Alliance Delhi raises money, particularly for people now putting up in camps Sana Sultan and other expatriates based in London raise about 10,000 pounds for flood victims Army regularly updating Facebook and Twitter pages to provide information about people rescued

Srinagar, September 11
The Sikh community here has provided emergency medical aid to more than 2,000 flood victims in the last two days.

In the Sanat Nagar locality, a gurdwara has become home to more than 5,000 flood victims. “We have tried to keep all essential services available here. We have coordinated with the Gurdwara Committee, Delhi, for more help,” said Jagjit Singh, a volunteer. More than 12 doctors from the Sikh community are providing free medical services to the people.

“Volunteer doctors from Delhi are here to help the victims as there is an increase in infections,” said Delhi-based doctor Anu Singh. “We are also trying to help those suffering from diabetes, heart problem or any other ailment,” she said.

This tragedy has brought people of all faiths under one roof. “Many people had no news of their relatives or family members living in other parts of the country. We have also kept phones available for them,” said a volunteer. “More than 500 people were able to contact their family members living in other parts of the country,” said a volunteer.

Jammu, September 11
The worst floods that hit Jammu and Kashmir have severely damaged the lifting stations operated by the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department along the Tawi and Chenab rivers leaving many parts in the Jammu region without potable water supply.

Though the supply has been restored in several areas, it will take months before the water supply returns to routine in the region. In Kashmir valley, the supply system has been totally destroyed.

Thousands of people in the twin districts of Poonch and Rajouri and in Reasi district are totally dependent on the water bottles being airdropped by the Indian Air Force (IAF) choppers as the supply system in these parts has been wiped out by floods.

Officials said the Sittle Filtration Plant at Nagrota and Boria and Dhontli water lifting stations which supply 70 per cent of water for 15 lakh people in Jammu have suffered extensive damages and machinery worth crores of rupees has been destroyed.

“There has been massive destruction of tube wells, lifting stations and other machinery. The supply has also suffered as many pumping stations in flood-affected areas are without the power supply. The destruction is beyond our imagination,” said Sushil Aima, Chief Engineer, Public Health Engineering Department.

A major part of the Jammu is receiving limited water supply as number of pumping stations are facing the problem of silt. It is also taking a toll on the filtration machinery. The pumps lifting groundwater are also working below their capacity due to power cuts.

“There are nearly 205 tube wells used to lift ground water and the entire fleet is dependent on electricity. Since September 3, majority of them in flood-affected areas have been rendered dysfunctional due to mechanical glitch and power outage,” said an official source.

Srinagar, September 11
Nearly 35,000 persons across the Jhelum opposite Badami Bagh Cantonment will get more essential supplies from tomorrow. Supplies are being dropped from helicopters in these marooned localities so far.

Army motorboats tested waters of the Jhelum for the first time since the swollen river wreaked havoc in the summer capital and crossed it successfully.

“From tomorrow, we will provide essential supplies to 35,000 persons in Lasjan, Soitang, Padshahi Bagh, Nowgam, Pantha Chowk and Aithwajan,” said an officer, among those who launched two motorboats.

The water level had reduced to a great extent. During the floods, the water level had risen 12 feet, inundating low-lying areas of the cantonment. It reduced two or three feet below the banks on Thursday.

“Marooned localities will get supplies from motorboats from tomorrow. People will come in boats to collect food, water and medicines,” he said. He said they told those across the Jhelum that the Army would reach out to them from tomorrow. The ailing and the aged would be brought to the Army hospital, he added.

Baramulla, September 11
When the gushing waters of the Jhelum started flooding the Shalteng locality of Srinagar on Sunday morning, Mehrajuddin Sheikh and his family somehow managed to flee to safety. However, his nephew, Mohammad Saleem, 20, was not that lucky.

“When the gushing waters from the Jhelum started flooding our locality on Sunday morning, I along with my family somehow managed to flee to safety. However, my nephew, Mohammad Saleem, was not that lucky,” said Mehraj.

For the past five days, the family has been unable to arrange Saleem’s funeral and are now waiting for the waters to recede.

Mehrajuddin along with his 17 family members and other relatives are putting up at a camp set up by the local administration at a Government High School.

Saleem’s body, the family says, is lying in a mosque in the flooded Qamarwari area where the water levels are still high.

Mehrajuddin and his family managed to flee their house on Sunday evening but could not salvage anything from their submerged house.

The family used to live in Parimpora Ghat in the Shalteng area of city.

“Though we tried to get to the area, but it is difficult to reach the spot. Many of our acquaintances who came from Qamarwari area also confirmed Saleem’s death and said his body was lying in the local mosque,” Mehraj said.

“Today is the fifth day since the tragedy struck. Just because water is not receding and land for burial is not available, I am unable to arrange the burial of my nephew,” he said.

Jammu, September 11
Though relieved after returning back from the flood-ravaged Kashmir region, the nightmarish experience is still fresh in the minds of stranded sportspersons, who were finally airlifted to Jammu today.

“The Department of Youth Services and Sports and the state government have failed to live up to our expectations as there was absolutely no help from their side to rescue us,” said Rahul Sharma, a wushu player, after reaching at the Technical Airport, Satwari.

“We had lost all hopes of returning back, but thanks to the Central rescue teams which evacuated us and made us believe that we can meet our parents again,” he added.

“We have almost lost connection with our family members because incessant rain and floods had virtually destroyed everything that came in its way,” another player said.

“As far as eatables are concerned for stranded sportspersons, we depended on bottles of cold drinks and chips that were flown in water. It was only when we were airlifted to a gurdwara yesterday, we were provided food and eatables during our brief stay there,” he said.

Meanwhile, for Nitin Sethi, a clerk in the Department of Youth Services and Sports, who accompanied the state contingent to the flood-ravaged Valley, it was an experience which he never wanted to remember in his life.

“Whatever we have experienced in the past few days, it is no less than a miracle that we have managed to return back,” said Nitin.

“When the news about flash floods reached us, I along with other players was staying in the Youth Hostel, Srinagar. It was only when the water level started increasing that we were shifted to the Bakshi Stadium,” he said.

“Unfortunately, the water level continued to increase at the stadium too and we were worried what will happen next. There was absolutely no help from the state. Had it not been the Army, who rescued all of us, it would not have been possible for us to reach home safely,” Nitin added.

Jammu, September 11
Parents heaved a sigh of relief after 129 sportspersons were safely airlifted to Jammu today from the flood-ravaged Kashmir valley.

While confirming the development, Sukhdev Raj, District Youth Services and Sports Officer, Jammu, said “Yes, 129 stranded players from Srinagar have been airlifted to Jammu this evening. We are now waiting for the arrival of an Indian Air Force (IAF) chopper carrying the remaining 18 sportspersons. It is likely to reach later tonight”.

As many as 147 sportspersons, including some officials, who were stranded at Indoor Complex, Bakshi Stadium, Srinagar due to flash floods in the Valley, have been rescued by the Army last night and were lodged at Shaheed Bhunga Gurdwara at Barzulla in Srinagar.

A large number of parents were seen waiting for their loved ones whom they had not talked for the past few days due to network failure.

The sportspersons were part of the Jammu province contingent, including a few players from Leh and Kargil, for the state-level inter-district competitions in the disciplines of hockey, table tennis, judo and allied martial arts, being organised by the Department of Youth Services and Sports.

These players are from the districts of Jammu, Kathua, Udhampur and Poonch.

Jammu, September 11
The Leh district administration on Thursday evacuated 593 persons, including 500 students of the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Srinagar. The evacuees were stranded in Srinagar and on the Srinagar-Leh route as they were on their way to catch flights from Leh.

The rescued people reached Leh in the early hours today and were received by Leh Deputy Commissioner Simrandeep Singh.

The Deputy Commissioner immediately converted all government guest houses into camps for the evacuees and organised community kitchens for them.

Jammu, September 11
In the wake of grim situation arising out of floods that had so far claimed more than 300 human lives and submerged parts of the Kashmir Valley, the University of Jammu has decided to defer the special convocation scheduled for September 16.

“We have decided to defer the special convocation scheduled for September 16 in view of the prevailing situation. Governor NN Vohra, who is also the Chancellor of the university, and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who is also the Pro-Chancellor of the institution, are busy monitoring relief and rescue operation being carried all over the state. In such conditions, they would not be able to attend the event. We cannot hold the event in their absence. Therefore, we have decided to postpone it,” Professor Mohan Paul Singh Ishar, Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu, said.

He said no rehearsal would now be held on September 13 and the fresh date for holding the special convocation would be notified later.

The institution had organised its 14th convocation for the candidates who completed their degrees in 2013 on September 1. The convocation was addressed by President Pranab Mukherjee.

The university had announced that it would organise a special convocation on September 16 in which PhD degrees and gold medals would be awarded to around 1,100 candidates for academic sessions from 2006 to 2012.

The university had postponed its mega annual cultural event ‘Display Your Talent’ which was scheduled to begin from September 10. The programme would now start from September 17 and would conclude on October 1.

Jammu, September 11
The National Rural Health Mission (NRHM), J&K, has directed the Director, Health Services, Jammu/Kashmir, to prepare detailed project reports (DPRs) for the establishment of district early intervention centres (DEICs) at District Hospitals (DHs) in the state.

The instructions were issued in the recently held executive committee meeting of the State Health Society, NRHM, J&K, held under the chairmanship of the Commissioner/Secretary, Health and Medical Education Department.

The DEIC is a new initiative of the NRHM under the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) to provide comprehensive care to all the children. The objective of this initiative is to improve the overall quality of life of children through early detection of defects, diseases, deficiencies, development delays and disability.

Sources said while reviewing the establishment of DEICs in the districts, it was decided that the Director, Health Services Jammu/Kashmir, would get the DPRs prepared as per the drawing already provided to the Chief Medical Officers (CMOs).

The sources added that the Mission Director, NRHM, J&K, informed that the list of equipment for setting up of the DEICs has been provided by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the funds for sanctioned DEICs to the tune of Rs 16.10 lakh per DEIC are available with the State Health Society.

Further, it was decided that the Director, Health Services, Jammu/Kashmir, will get the gap analysis of the DHs done for providing the equipment for DEICs and accordingly purchase the equipment for which the funds will be placed at their disposal by the MD, NRHM, J&K.

“It was decided that the Director, Health Services, Jammu/Kashmir, will issue instructions to the Chief Medical Officers for ensuring that the medical officers and paramedical staff hired for mobile health teams under the RBSK are not put on roster duties and the officers violating such instructions will be dealt with under rules,” a NRHM source said.

Meanwhile, a decision was also taken during the crucial meeting regarding conduct of a workshop for Block Medical Officers and other related officers by both the directorates, which would be attended by the Mission Director and his team to clear the doubts about the scheme and to improve its implementation.

Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram initiative The district early intervention centre is a new initiative of the National Rural Health Mission under the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram to provide comprehensive care to all children The objective of the initiative is to improve the overall quality of life of children through early detection of defects, diseases, deficiencies, development delays and disability

Jammu, September 11
The Oil Tanker Transporters’ Welfare Committee has urged the state government to extend relief material to the stranded truck drivers and cleaners who have been stuck on the Jammu-Kashmir national highway, state highways like Rajouri, Poonch, and other flood affected areas.

Today a meeting of the committee was held under the chairmanship of convener Ranjit Singh and attended by co-convener Harasis Singh, senior member Davinder Singh and others. The committee members expressed their condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones in the natural disaster.

Ranjit Singh said, “The transporters, in general, and drivers and cleaners, in particular, are assisting the relief works, but it is unfortunate that our drivers and cleaners, who are themselves stranded in far flung areas, are being offered no help by any state or Central agency.”

He urged the Army to provide food and other eatables to the stranded drivers and cleaners of tankers/trucks and other load carrier so that they can continue to help the administration in this hour of need.

The committee appealed to the state government to allow the drivers to use some relief ration in their trucks for themselves as they also deserve the same attention and sympathy. Often thousands of trucks are struck on the national highway even during rainy season.

Jammu, September 11
A free health check-up camp for flood-hit people was held by the Acharya Shri Chander College of Medical Sciences (ASCOMS) Hospital under the guidance of trustee DK Batra and Director Prinicipal Dr RP Kudyar at Government Primary School, Belicharana.

The team of doctors comprised of specialists of medicine, gynaecology, ophthalmology, dermatology and preventive and social medicine. About 250 patients were examined and free medicines were distributed among them. — TNS

Jammu, September 11
With the efforts of Mahant Manjit Singh of Shiromani Dera Nangali Sahib, Poonch, Sikhs of Jammu has started providing relief material to Jammu and Kashmir flood victims.

A relief committee, comprising various Sikh organizations, has been constituted and the control room and office have been opened at Digiana Ashram.

Langer cooked at Jammu is being sent through Air Force planes to flood-affected areas of the state. — TNS

Jammu, September 11
Expressing resentment against the alleged discrimination meted out to a section of the minority community in the flood-affected Kashmir valley, various Sikh organisations today staged a protest and accused the administration of adopting a “pick-and-choose” policy in rescuing people.

The protesters, under the banner of the Social Organisation for Universal Living (SOUL), raised anti-government slogans. — TNS

Jammu, September 11
Delhi Public School (DPS), Kathua, organised an exhibition of science, mathematics and social sciences on the school premises.

All the students were enthusiastic about the exhibition and presented models on different topics. First position was jointly shared by Rakshit and Akshit, while Arijit and Mansi shared the second position.

Four students bagged the third position jointly. They were Nidhi, Aastha, Komal and Niharika.

The jury members in the exhibition were Rakesh Sharma, Head of the Department of Physics at the District Institute of Education and Training (DIET), Basholi, Pawan Kumar and Sunita Khajuria.

The officials also interacted with students. Principal of the school DK Kotwal lauded the efforts of the students and encouraged them to stay focussed. He also appreciated the efforts of the teaching faculty in developing a competitive spirit among the students. — TNS

Jammu, September 11
The National Mazdoor Conference (NMC), Jammu, expressed anguish over the two posts of Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE) lying vacant for months together, affecting the work in the Power Development Department (PDD).

Rajan Babu Khajuria, senior leader of the NMC, said, “Two posts of the AEE of the PDD are lying vacant for months together at Sub-division-I and plant in Parade. Both employees and public are facing a lot of hardship owing to the vacant posts in PDD and the office function is being badly affected.”

Khajuria has appealed to the Principal Secretary, AK Mehta, to fill these vacancies so that the public is saved from further harassment.

He also appealed for the regularisation of services of daily wagers of the PDD so that smooth functioning of the department can be ensured. “The main hurdle in the regularization of their services is the indifferent attitude of Chief Engineer Shehnaz Goni toward them,” Khajuria said.