By Our Staff Reporter
Pauri, 31 Jul: Garhwal Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey held a press conference in the auditorium of the Commissioner’s office here today. During the press conference, he shared information about the efforts being made at the government-administration level on relief and rescue operations following disasters that have occurred during the Chardham Yatra, the Kanwar Yatra and the monsoon season.
Pandey added that rehabilitation of disaster victims has begun in Garhwal Division. The Commissioner also shared information about the loss of life and property due to the disasters in all the seven districts of the division.
He revealed that, so far, as many as 30 persons and more than 100 animals have lost their lives due to the disaster.
Pandey claimed that the administration is strictly following the guidelines given by the Chief Minister regarding relief and rescue operations in case of disaster. Immediate assessment of loss of life and property and other formalities are being completed after every disaster at the earliest possible. Referring to the recent disaster in Tingarh area of Ghansali area of Tehri Garhwal district, the Garhwal Commissioner shared that in-principle approval has been granted at the government level on the issue related to rehabilitation of the villagers affected by the disaster. He added that the administration has also approved construction of a retaining wall along the Bhilangana River in view of increasing soil erosion as the river continues to be in spate.
Regarding the Chardham Yatra, Pandey shared that, so far, 32 lakh pilgrims have visited the Char Dham shrines in the current season. He stated that a meeting has been summoned in Rishikesh on 3 August with all the stakeholders regarding the preparations for the second phase of the Yatra.
When media persons complained that the officials in the Garhwal division are not responding to phone calls, the Commissioner responded that strict instructions have already been issued to the officials by the Chief Minister in this regard. He claimed that the government and administration are constantly making efforts to make the journey smooth and safe. He revealed that a helicopter has been deployed to deal with serious cases related to disaster and health.
Pandey added that, to resolve the complaints or the problems of the general public, the District Magistrates of all the divisions will organise Lok Adalats in the first week of August. He admitted that the number of the Gram Panchayats is far more than the number of Gram Pancahayat Development Officers and this is causing delay in resolving the problems of the villagers at the Panchayat level. He added that, to solve this problem, Panchayat tour rosters of Panchayat Secretaries will be prepared and implemented. He further stated that accurate information about their availability will be ensured through geo tag based attendance. Online (VC) facility has been arranged at the divisional office in Pauri for disposal of urgent cases of the Commissioner’s Court. He said that with the proper use of technology, the disposal of many such cases and problems has become possible.
