Public, Vehicular Movement Banned; Construction Activities Suspended in Flood-Affected Areas
Zahid Shah
Rajouri, July 23: In a major step aimed at safeguarding public life and preventing further damage following the recent flash floods, the District Magistrate and Chairperson of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Rajouri, has imposed a 60-day prohibition on public and vehicular movement besides suspending all construction activities in the flood-affected Bela Market and Bela Colony areas.
According to an official order, the restrictions have been enforced after severe flooding in the Rajouri Tawi River caused extensive inundation and destruction in the Bela Market, Bela Colony and adjoining areas, damaging shops, commercial establishments, vehicles, public infrastructure and the local bus stand.
The order states that technical inspections carried out by the Irrigation and Flood Control Department, along with other engineering agencies, found the affected zone to be highly vulnerable, with an imminent threat to human life, public safety and property. The floodwaters reportedly entered the built-up areas beyond the normal riverbank, necessitating immediate preventive measures.
Under the order, all public and vehicular movement has been prohibited, while construction, excavation, dumping and other related activities have been suspended throughout the identified flood-affected zone for a period of 60 days, pending detailed hydrological assessment and final demarcation by the competent authorities.
The District Administration has also directed that all approach roads, link roads and pedestrian tracks leading to the dangerous stretches of Bela Market, Bela Colony and the Rajouri Tawi River be barricaded or closed as required. Authorities have been instructed to jointly survey and demarcate the affected area, halt any ongoing construction works and submit a compliance report within 24 hours.
The order exempts emergency services, including Police, SDRF, NDRF, Fire and Emergency Services, medical teams, Executive Magistrates, Revenue and Municipal officials, and personnel engaged in authorised flood protection, restoration and essential public works.
The Senior Superintendent of Police, Rajouri, has been directed to ensure strict enforcement through police deployment, checkpoints and joint patrols to prevent unauthorised entry of people, machinery and construction material into the restricted zone.
The District Administration has appealed to residents to strictly avoid the restricted areas, cooperate with the authorities and comply with the safety directions issued in the larger public interest. It warned that any violation of the order will invite legal action under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and the Disaster Management Act, 2005.(KNC)
