CM Omar orders reinforcement of embankments, promises swift relief

Srinagar, Sep 5: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday ordered reinforcement of embankments and promised swift relief.

Chairing a high-level meeting to review the flood situation in Kashmir, with a focus on rescue, relief, and rehabilitation measures, CM Omar directed the immediate reinforcement of embankments at vulnerable spots, the evacuation of residents from inundated areas, and round-the-clock monitoring through control rooms.

He emphasised the importance of frequent visits to affected areas and timely advisories urging people to remain alert, avoid panic, and fully cooperate with the administration.

The CM instructed officials to ensure uninterrupted arrangements for evacuees, maintain close coordination with the police to ensure order, and counter rumour-mongering to prevent unnecessary panic.

He underscored the need for swift restoration of essential services, including electricity, water supply, and road connectivity.

Calling the next 48 to 72 hours “critical,” CM Omar said, “The level of vigilance currently being maintained must continue until the water recedes below the danger mark. Our deployed teams must remain fully active on the ground, and continuous monitoring of bunds should be carried out. Any leakages or breaches must be addressed without delay. 'While the respite from continuous rainfall has improved the situation compared to two days ago, we cannot afford complacency.”

He stressed the need for damage assessment to pave the way for relief and compensation measures.

“Deputy Commissioners must conduct realistic assessments of the damage caused to property, agricultural lands, and infrastructure. These findings will form the basis for projecting requirements to the Government of India,” the CM said.

To support immediate relief operations, he announced the utilisation of Rs 5 crore from the UT Capex budget, in addition to funds from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF).

CM Omar also asked Deputy Commissioners (DCs) and Agriculture Department officials to assess damage to standing crops across both provinces, highlighting that the Mughal Road has emerged as a vital road artery in the wake of the blockage of NH-44.

He directed the Health Department to remain vigilant against potential water-borne and post-flood diseases.

The CM reiterated his government’s commitment to ensuring safety, timely relief, and early restoration of normalcy in the flood-affected areas of Kashmir.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Minister for Health and Medical Education Sakina Itoo, Minister for Jal Shakti Javed Ahmad Rana, and Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani.

Also present were Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary to CM, Additional Chief Secretaries Jal Shakti, Agriculture Production, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, all Administrative Secretaries, heads of key departments, senior police officers, Chief Engineers of KPDCL, KPTCL, I&FC, PHE, R&B, BEACON, and SAMPARK, Commandants of SDRF and NDRF, Director India Meteorological Department Kashmir, RO NHAI J&K, State Level Coordinator IOCL J&K, besides other concerned officers. Outstation officers participated through video conference.

Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, briefed the meeting on the water levels at Sangam, Ram Munshi Bagh, and Asham, saying that the water level has receded below the danger mark.

He informed that personnel from I&FC, Police, and other departments were patrolling vulnerable embankments and deploying sandbags where necessary.

He said that inundated villages in Shalina were witnessing receding waters, and relief measures are underway for displaced families.

On the restoration front, the meeting was informed that water supply schemes were functioning smoothly with minor disruptions in a few places, while power, telecom, and health services remained largely unaffected.

Essential supplies were being routed through the Mughal Road, which has become the valley’s temporary lifeline.

The meeting was informed that the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway was expected to be restored by Saturday, with fruit-laden trucks currently being cleared via Mughal Road in a phased manner.

Deputy Commissioners of all Kashmir districts also shared ground reports, confirming that water levels are receding in the Jhelum’s tributaries, including Lidder, Vaishow, Sandran, Rambi Ara, and others.