J&K Chief Secy reviews calamity relief operations

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary Muhammad Iqbal Khandey today reviewed calamity relief operations in the state and authorised financing of relief expenditure from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF).
The State Executive Committee (SEC), headed by Khandey, reviewed various calamity relief cases and approved release of Rs 18 crore from SDRF for purchasing equipment for rescue operations during natural calamities and post-disaster relief and rehabilitation, an official spokesman said.
The equipment will be used by J&K Fire and Emergency Services, Civil Defence and State Disaster Response Force.
The SEC also discussed establishment of Emergency Operation Centres equipped with rescue kits and relief material in each district, the spokesman said.

The committee approved enhancement of relief funds to be kept at the disposal of the Financial Commissioner, Divisional Commissioner and Deputy Commissioners for relief expenditure to the tune of Rs 2 crore, Rs 1 crore and Rs 50 lakh respectively, he said.
For immediate restoration of infrastructure, the Deputy Commissioners could sanction works up to Rs10 lakh, Divisional Commissioners up to Rs 20 lakh and Financial Commissioner up to Rs 30 lakh for each sector, he said, adding that works costing more than Rs 30 lakh should be referred to the SEC.

The committee reviewed status of previous relief cases of the SDRF for clearance of liabilities. It also approved release of funds on account of damage to property, crops and livestock caused due to hailstorm, flash floods, cloudburst and earthquake in various districts during last year.

During the meeting, the Chief Secretary laid stress on capacity building against natural calamities.
He directed concerned authorities to ensure measures for capacity building for disaster management as recommended by the National Disaster Management Authority.
The Chief Secretary said the relief amount under SDRF should be disbursed to the bona fide victims through a transparent process.