Srinagar, Sep 27 (IANS): The Jammu and Kashmir government Saturday said that 200 dewatering pumps are being used to pump out stagnant flood water from the inundated areas of Srinagar city.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah reviewed the dewatering operation in some submerged areas of Srinagar city.

It was stated that more than 200 dewatering pumps of various capacities are working round the clock and most of the areas have now dried up. The focus now is on complete dewatering of those places which are still water-logged.

The chief minister who is daily monitoring relief and rehabilitation measures at review meetings was informed in Saturday's meeting that more than 6.50 lakh quintals of rice has been released for free distribution to people.

Of this, 80,000 quintals have been provided in Srinagar district as against normal requirement of 63,900 quintals.

Abdullah was apprised that fruit dispatch from the Kashmir Valley to the terminal markets has picked up during the past about 10 days.

More than 6,000 truckloads of fruit have already been dispatched in the current month and the figure is expected to reach 7,000 truckloads by the month-end.

The chief minister also received details of restoration of power and drinking water to the consumers, particularly in the affected areas.

It was informed that 80-85 percent power supply has been restored so far.

It was also stated in the meeting that 90 percent water supply has been restored in Srinagar while the figure in this regard for towns and villages stands at 70 percent.

Omar Abdullah was also apprised of the rehabilitation measures that have already started in various areas. He said that the process should be further intensified.

He was also given details of efforts to restore functioning of various hospitals in Srinagar and other parts of the valley.

It was stated that OPDs in SMHS, G.B. Pant and LD hospitals have resumed while Bone and Joint hospital, SKIMS and JLNMH Rainawari are functioning.

The chief minister directed the administration to work with a missionary zeal in this hour of crisis and render dedicated service to the flood-hit people in providing them succour and helping in their early rehabilitation.

The meeting was informed that 79 bridges, 109 culverts and 653 km of roads damaged in the floods have been restored so far.

The total temporary restoration of PHE schemes is expected to be completed in 10 days.