Deputy Commissioner Ramban, Mussarat Islam, along with SSP Traffic National Highway, Rohit Baskotra and other senior officers today inspected the road restoration works on NH-44, besides assessing the damage to road infrastructure due to flash floods and landslides triggered by incessant rains for the last two days.
The DC was accompanied by the Additional Deputy Commissioner, Harbans Lal, and later joined by Regional Officer NHAI, Patnala Siva Shanker, PD, NHAI PIU, Parshotam Kumar and other senior officers.
The landslides had earlier blocked 270-km long National Highway, at Mehar, Seri, Panthyal and some other critical spots in Ramban district.
The Deputy Commissioner, along with Regional Officer NHAI inspected the Seri-Chamba stretch, where a portion of the road caved in due to unprecedented increase in the water level in River Chenab.
Earlier on Saturday, the Deputy Commissioner visited Panthyal and inspected the road restoration works following damage to approach road between Tunnels T-5 & T3.
After discussing the measures being taken by NHAI and its concessionaire companies engaged in National Highway four laning project, the Deputy Commissioner passed on the spot directions to NHAI and executing agencies to mobilise adequate men and machinery for immediate restoration of traffic movement on the stretch. He appealed to the passengers to contact the Traffic Control Room before embarking on their journey on the National Highway.
Meanwhile, the DC also inspected langers and Lodgement Centres established by the administration in the district for the stay of the pilgrims during the road blockade.
The DC directed the officers assigned different duties to extend all necessary services to stranded yatris during their stay at Yatri Niwas Chanderkote, Yatra Camp, Lamber and other Lodgment Centres.
In view of rise in water level in rivers and nallas, especially in Chenab River, the Deputy Commissioner has appealed to the people not to venture near the river and follow the advisories being issued by the authorities in this regard.
