Northern Railways today said train services in Kashmir Valley have been partially resumed after restoration of tracks damaged by flood waters. An official said, train services have started between Srinagar and Baramulla.
Northern Railway said, more than 25,000 flood affected persons have been cleared from Katra, Udhampur , Jammu and Delhi area free of charge by running special trains and attaching additional coaches in regular trains.
Railway along with NGOs and gurudwaras, is also providing free of cost food to the stranded passengers at these stations.
Meanwhile, The Supreme Court today asked the Jammu & Kashmir government to take necessary steps for making available food, drinking water, medicines and fuel to the flood-affected people.
The Apex Court also asked the government to consider grant of ex-gratia to affected persons and also making available banking facility. The Court urged the Chief Justice of J&K High Court to consider suggestion of functioning from state guest house, or judges' residence.
It also asked the Centre and Jammu and Kashmir government not to restrict its focus to Srinagar in the rescue and relief operations in flood-hit areas. The Apex Court said the condition in some other districts is worse.
It said the authorities must ensure that necessary supplies reach the last of the flood-hit victims, with emphasis on their rehabilitation.
A bench headed by Chief Justice R M Lodha reiterated that it was not treating the matter as adversarial litigation, but said the type of focus Centre has given to Srinagar did not appear to have reached other flood-affected districts like Kulgam, Anantnag, Shopian, Pulwama, Ganderbal, Baramulla and Budgam.
The bench, also comprising justices Kurian Joseph and R F Nariman, said though the Centre has done a wonderful job and many things were undertaken without any direction from the court, it has not focused on the rehabilitation of the victims.
The bench asked the state government to respond to the grievances highlighted and posted the matter for hearing on September 18.
