Supreme Court orders Centre and state government to to focus on districts other than Srinagar

The Supreme Court on Monday praised Narendra Modi government for the ongoing relief work in the flood affected Jammu and Kashmir. Apex court asked both the Centre and state governments to speed up the relief and rehabilitation work in the areas which are yet to receive.

"The government is doing a commendable job. But what about the other seven or eight important districts where relief hasn't reached?, a bench headed by Chief Justice of India Justice RM Lodha asked the Centre.

"Food items, drinking water and medicines must reach the last man in the flooded valley. I saw visuals on television that a large number of people are staying on roofs for survival and it is a challenge. Relief must reach them," the bench said and referred to the complaints that not enough boats were available for relief work.

Replying to the court's query, the Centre's counsel Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi said that the state government has said there were enough boats for relief work.

The bench, which was hearing a batch of petitions on relief and rehabilitation work, has also asked the Centre to consider granting immediate ex-gratia to victims as they do not have the money even to buy essential items.

It also suggested that both the governments must make mobile ATM units available in Srinagar to facilitate people for withdrawal of cash.

Rohtagi, who submitted the report giving detail about the steps taken for relief operation, informed the court that border areas, where flood waters have washed away posts and fencing, manning the borders have become a challenge in the current situation.

The court asked for a fresh report and posted the matter for Thursday.