New Delhi:
Food, drinking water and medical facilities should reach even the last man in flood-hit Jammu and Kashmir, the Supreme Court told the Centre and the state government today.
"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," said Chief Justice of India Justice RM Lodha.
There had been complaints that not enough boats were available for relief work. The Centre told the court that the state government has said there were enough boats for relief work.
More than 1,84,000 people have already been rescued by the armed forces and the NDRF from across the flood-ravaged state, the Ministry of Defence had said on Sunday.
The Supreme Court, which was hearing several petitions on relief and rehabilitation work, has also asked the Centre to consider granting immediate ex-gratia to victims because they do not have the money even to buy essential items.
The Centre and the state must make mobile ATM units available in Srinagar to facilitate withdrawal of cash, the court said.
Though praising the pace of the ongoing relief work in the flood-hit state capital, the apex court nonetheless drew attention to areas that are not receiving enough attention. "The government is doing a commendable job. But what about the other seven or eight important districts where relief hasn't reached?" the court said.
Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi informed the court about the still more pressing issue of border areas, where flood waters have washed away posts and fencing. Manning the borders have become a challenge in the current situation.
The Centre has submitted a list of steps taken and said all necessary items from food to fuel are being supplied. The court still has sought a status report.
The case would be heard next on Thursday.