It is important to note that many buildings especially the old ones across the Union Territory must be under strain due to prolonged spell of heavy rains in the region making it necessary to hold safety audit of all such structures housing various government offices and institutions. In this regard the decision taken by the Kathua Administration to hold immediate safety audit of all government buildings in the district in view of incessant rainfall seems to be prudent as there is no point in taking any kind of risk. As per the order issued by Deputy Commissioner Kathua the concerned authorities in the district have been directed to ensure that structures including school buildings, health institutions, college buildings, hospitals, Community Health Centres (CHCs) and Primary Health Centres (PHCs) are safe before being put to use.
The district heads of the aforesaid entities have been asked to oversee the conduct of the safety audit prior to the functioning of such buildings. Heads of educational institutions, in coordination with Zonal Education Officers (ZEOs), have also been instructed to complete safety checks before resuming classes, with the Chief Education Officer supervising the process for schools.
The Chief Medical Officer has also been tasked with ensuring audits of all hospital and health centre buildings in the district. The initiative aims to safeguard the lives of students, staff, and the general public by preempting hazards arising from rain-induced structural damage. It is imperative that the administrations of other districts in the Union Territory especially those affected by the recent flash floods and landslides should take a cue from the decision taken by the Kathua Administration and should issue similar orders for ensuring the safety of the stakeholders.
It is pertinent to mention that heavy rainfall in the Union Territory has broken many records of the past and devastation during monsoon season this year remained widespread with many districts continue to confront dangerous water levels in the water bodies and other places leaving many houses damaged, and snatching away the lives of over 100 people and livestock in Kishtwar, Kathua, and Reasi Districts. The devastation which the UT has witnessed this time is unprecedented and therefore taking pragmatic steps like safety audits of the government buildings has become essential.
