Rs 40 lakh ex-gratia sanctioned for families of Sadna Top avalanche victims: Veeri

JAMMU, JAN 9: Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Abdul Rehman Veeri today informed the house that an ex-gratia relief of Rs 40 lakh at Rs 4 lakh per next of kin (NoK) has been sanctioned by the State Government for the civilians who lost their lives in an avalanche that occurred at Khoni Nallah near Sadna Top, enroute Tanghdar on January 05, 2018.
During the avalanche, 07 passengers travelling in sumo vehicle en-route Tanghdar, besides bystanders were caught under the impact of avalanche and fell in a deep gorge.
Responding to the point raised by Legislator Raja Manzoor in the Assembly, the Minister said that joint rescue team comprising of Army, Police, SDRF, Project Beacon and local volunteers took up immediate rescue measures. During the operation, 2 people were recovered alive while as dead bodies of 10 civilians and one Beacon official were recovered from the avalanche mishap.
He said the injured persons are being provided best medicare facilities for their early recovery.
The Minister further informed that the State Government has taken up the matter with Government of India for construction of tunnel for Tanghdar (Karnah) at Sadna Top to provide people with an all-weather route so that people can travel in relative safety.