Over 300 people from 62 families returned to their homes in Budhal village of Rajouri district after 22-day long stay at lodgment centers established by the authorities following mysterious illness that left 17 people dead.
The District Administration Rajouri, under the supervision of Deputy Commissioner Abhishek Sharma, has facilitated the return of 62 families comprising 330 individuals, including 178 women back to their homes at Budhal village after a stay of 22 day at lodgment centers established at BHSS and Nursing College, an official spokesperson said Thursday.
The DC, he said, appreciated the coordinated efforts of all departments in ensuring the well-being of these families during their stay. He also thanked the affected persons for their cooperation and patience throughout the period.
To ensure a safe and smooth transition, all departments created awareness among the families regarding necessary precautions post-departure. Additionally, the ration already available at their houses will be sealed and shifted to a secure location under the supervision of ADC Kotranka. The administration has also provided ration kits for immediate use, and routine ration distribution will continue in their respective villages.
As a welfare measure, DC Rajouri handed over labour cards to eligible beneficiaries among these families. Furthermore, 10 cases under the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) were registered during their stay at the lodgement centres and the same will be processed on priority.
In terms of health and safety, the Food Safety Inspector was directed to maintain records of collected samples and ensure follow-ups until the results are received. The Chief Medical Officer (CMO) was instructed to deploy a dedicated health team at Budhal for regular medical check-ups.
To facilitate the return of livestock, officials of the Animal and Sheep Husbandry Department were stationed at Budhal to ensure the smooth handover of domestic animals to their owners.
Infrastructure and essential services were also prioritized. The PHE Department has been directed to continue tanker services, ensure the cleaning of storage tanks and operationalize the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) scheme within a week. The Power Development Department (PDD) was instructed to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply.
To maintain security and monitoring, ADC Kotranka and SP Kotranka were directed to keep records of vehicles entering and leaving Budhal village. Meanwhile, the District Information Officer (DIO) was tasked with preserving CCTV footage of food preparation and distribution at the lodgement centres.
During their stay, teachers and Anganwadi workers were deployed to provide education to children, while doctors ensured healthcare services. The departing families expressed their gratitude to the District Administration, especially DC Rajouri, for their support and care. They also acknowledged the dedication of Animal and Sheep Husbandry employees who looked after their livestock in Budhal.
