CM Omar Abdullah urges swift action to restore essential services

Ganderbal, Dec 28: Reviewing snow clearance and restoration of power and water supply across Jammu and Kashmir post snowfall, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Saturday urged swift action to restore essential services.

Convening a video conference in Ganderbal with all districts across J&K to review snow clearance operations and restoration of essential services following heavy snowfall in Kashmir, CM Omar directed the Deputy Commissioners (DCs) to personally supervise snow clearance operations, emphasising the need to obtain photographic evidence of cleared areas to ensure thorough removal and prevent freezing road condition as temperatures drop.

He called for a proactive approach, urging officials to deploy adequate manpower and machinery on the ground.

The CM stressed the importance of ensuring 100 percent attendance of doctors and paramedical staff at all district and sub-district hospitals to effectively manage emergencies.

During the meeting, the DCs presented updates on snow clearance, restoration of power and water supply and emergency response to deal with inclement weather.

The district administrations were instructed to provide two-hourly updates to the CM’s office and the Chief Secretary’s office to keep the government apprised of the situation.

The Chief Engineer of Public Health Engineering (PHE) informed the CM that 90 percent of the water supply across Kashmir had been restored, with efforts underway to address the remaining 10 percent.

The Divisional Commissioner of Jammu reported that power and water supply in Jammu districts remains unaffected, while the Chief Secretary confirmed steady progress in restoring electricity feeders and assured that district hospitals were functioning smoothly.

Special instructions were issued to the DC Budgam to coordinate with airport authorities to assist stranded tourists and to provide transportation if required.

The Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, assured that a sufficient stock of essential commodities including food and other civil supplies was available in all districts.

Commending officials for their efforts, the CM urged them to remain vigilant, proactive, and responsive to the needs of the people during this challenging period.

He emphasised the importance of seamless coordination and uninterrupted services to mitigate the impact of the snowfall on the public.

The meeting held in Ganderbal was attended in person by Advisor to the CM Nasir Aslam Wani, DC Ganderbal Shyambir, ADC Ganderbal, and other senior district officials.

Chief Secretary, Divisional Commissioners of Kashmir and Jammu, and Deputy Commissioners from all districts participated through video conferencing.

The snowfall, which began on Friday, has disrupted normal life in many districts across Kashmir.