Jammu, Jan 10 (Only Kashmir): Extending the much needed relief to the people of snow bound areas, Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha declared ‘Heavy Snowfall’ as state specific Natural Calamity under SDRF norms.
The Lieutenant Governor was chairing a meeting to take stock of the winter management, particularly, snow clearance efforts of Administration, with all DCs and SSPs of Kashmir Division, through virtual mode, at the Raj Bhavan here today.
Pertinently, ‘Heavy Snowfall’ was not figuring in the list of ‘Natural Calamities’ under SDRF norms, due to which disbursement of relief and ex-gratia for the damages due to heavy snowfall was not possible for the Districts’ Disaster Management Authorities.
Due to declaration of ‘Heavy Snowfall’ as a ‘Natural Calamity’; processing of ex-gratia relief under SDRF will become faster, thereby giving a huge relief to the affected public of snow bound areas.
On being apprised about the shortage of small rescue vehicles for the movement of people requiring medical assistance, particularly, in remote areas and areas having narrow lanes, the Lt Governor directed that 4×4 rescue vehicles / ambulances be provided to snow affected Districts with immediate effect for helping the people in distress.
Taking cognizance of media reports, social media posts and grievances received from the public, the Lt Governor asked the Administration to identify gaps and take immediate corrective measures to fill the same to redress the concerning issues of the people.
