The recent visit of the Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) to Udhampur for assessing the flood and rain-affected areas deserves appreciation. Such a move is undoubtedly significant as it helps understand the problems of the victims firsthand and provides an opportunity to draft timely strategies. However, this is only the beginning. The real test lies in how sincerely and responsibly this team performs its duty and what kind of recommendations it formulates to address the suffering of the people.
Post-disaster visits, damage assessments, and report submissions have become a routine exercise, but it is often observed that practical measures either get delayed or remain confined to files. When immediate relief does not reach the victims, their wounds deepen further. Therefore, it is crucial that this time the team does not limit its role to a formality but treats it as a national responsibility and a mission of humanitarian service.
It is encouraging that the team directly inspected damaged roads, houses, agricultural lands, and other infrastructure in Udhampur. The figures presented by the Deputy Commissioner also reflected the grim reality of the affected people. However, it must be acknowledged that visiting only district headquarters or easily accessible villages is not enough. In most natural calamities, the worst-affected habitations are often in remote and difficult terrains. Reaching such places requires additional effort, time, and resources. If the team fails to reach those areas, there is a danger that such people may remain invisible to the government’s eyes and be left out of the relief and rehabilitation process.
It is equally important that the team, while preparing its report, not only highlights the damages but also analyzes the underlying causes that repeatedly lead to such disasters. Unplanned construction, encroachments on water channels, poor drainage systems, and the negligence of departments contribute to these recurring tragedies. Unless these root causes are addressed, people will continue to face similar ordeals in the future.
The team must ensure that its report clearly outlines immediate relief, medium-term rehabilitation measures, and long-term corrective steps. Compensation for farmers’ losses, a structured plan for reconstruction of damaged houses, and allocation of central funds for road and bridge repair should form part of its recommendations. It should also ensure that local communities are actively involved in the rehabilitation process to build transparency and trust.
It must be remembered that the greatest need of the victims is trust. If people are assured that the government stands with them and no family will be left behind, their courage and resilience will be restored. To build this trust, the team must act with honesty, impartiality, and urgency.
In conclusion, the IMCT’s visit marks a positive beginning. But what matters most is translating this into meaningful and concrete steps beyond paperwork. If outreach is ensured to every district and every village, no family will be deprived of relief and rehabilitation. That will be the true measure of the team’s success.DD