Post snowfall, CM Omar Abdullah drives to home constituency Ganderbal to assess situation

Ganderbal , Dec 28: Following heavy snowfall across the Kashmir Valley, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday drove to his home assembly constituency Ganderbal to assess the situation and take stock of the measures being taken there.

On his arrival the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah visited District Hospital Ganderbal and assessed the facilities and services available to patients during the inclement weather. He inspected various units of the hospital and reviewed the availability of essential medicines, staff on duty and the functionality of the central heating system. Medical Superintendent briefed the Chief Minister on the hospital’s preparedness to ensure patient care, confirming that the central heating system is fully operational. Chief Minister directed the hospital authorities to strictly enforce the duty roster for medical and paramedical staff to ensure uninterrupted services to avoid inconvenience to patients.

Later Chief Minister Omar Abdullah visited the Mini secretariat Ganderbal and chaired a meeting of the district officers to take stock of the situation and preparedness in his constituency. Advisor to the CM Nasir Aslam Wani, Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal Shyambir were present among other senior officers. CM directed the officers to be visible on ground and monitor the situation. Omar also told the Deputy Commissioners to send the regular updated to his and the Chief Secretary office daily so that the situation is monitored closely.

Talking to media persons, the Chief Minister said that he wanted to visit his constituency to assess the situation first-hand and monitor the district administration's efforts to provide relief to people due to snowfall and ensure the essential services are available and road clearance work is carried out on priority. He said. “ There are places where electricity has been affected due to snowfall and that would be restored by Saturday evening. Efforts are also on to clear the major roads first that are blocked due to snow and followed by inner roads ," he said. Asked about the restoration of water supply in certain areas, Omar Abdullah said wherever the supply can be restored immediately, it would be done, and wherever it would take time, water tankers would be made available.

Later, Chief Minister convened a video conference meeting with all district across Jammu and Kashmir to review snow clearance operations and restoration of essential services following heavy snowfall in the Kashmir Valley.