Authorities make several water bodies as ‘no-go zone’ in Rajouri

Rajouri, Jun 26: Authorities in Rajouri district have banned all kinds of activities near water bodies and rivers including bathing, swimming, fishing and even roaming with field officers of police and civil administration have been tasked to implement the order. An order has been issued by District Magistrate Rajouri under BNSS 163.

“Swimming, bathing, fishing and roaming near rivers and other water bodies including nallahs, streams and waterfalls in the jurisdiction of Rajouri district is banned.” the order of District Magistrate Rajouri reads. It further mentions about incidents of drowning and other water related mishaps in and near these water bodies in present rainy season. Besides, imposing ban on all kinds of activities near water bodies, the District Magistrate Rajouri Abhishek Sharma in this order has also restricted any kind of picnic, recreational activity of any school, college near water bodies of Rajouri until permitted by District Administration.

The District Magistrate Rajouri has also asked all the Additional District Magistrates, Sub Divisional Magistrates, Tehsildars, Naib Tensildars as well as police officers including Station House Officers (SHOs) and Incharge Police Posts to get the order implemented as per law of land. Meanwhile , District Magistrate Rajouri Abhishek Sharma also chaired a meeting in his office chamber to review the preparedness of the district administration for any eventualities arising due to heavy rains, flash floods, and landslides.

Highlighting the need for prompt response in case of road blockages, DC Rajouri instructed to keep the requisite machinery in a state of readiness on the National Highway and other key roads for immediate road clearance. He directed the BRO, PWD, and PMGSY to augment preparedness for the maintenance and swift restoration of the roads, besides identifying alternate routes. In view of possible medical emergencies, the DC directed the Health Department to ensure adequate availability of essential medicines in all hospitals, including anti-snake venom, to tackle any health contingencies that may arise due to floods or snake bites.

To strengthen coordination and ensure round-the-clock monitoring, the Deputy Commissioner instructed all ADCs, ACR, and SDMs to establish control rooms  at tehsil and sub-division levels and maintain close coordination with the district-level control room already set up in the DC Office. He also directed them to liaise with local police and security agencies in their jurisdictions for timely response and rescue operations.

The DM further emphasised the importance of effective communication and instructed that alerts and advisories be disseminated through public representatives, Numberdars, Chowkidars, and other grassroots-level functionaries to keep the public informed and vigilant. The meeting was attended by SSP Gaurav Sikarwar; ADC Chander Prakash; SE PWD; SE Irrigation and other district and sectoral officers who participated in the meeting through virtual mode. The District Administration Rajouri has urged the public to strictly adhere to safety advisories and avoid unnecessary movement in flood-prone areas during the ongoing monsoon season.