Ganderbal, Dec 28: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah held a video conference with officials from all districts of Jammu and Kashmir to assess snow clearance operations and the restoration of essential services following heavy snowfall across the Kashmir Valley.
The meeting, held at the video conference hall in Ganderbal, was attended by Advisor to the CM Nasir Aslam Wani, Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal Shyambir, ADC Ganderbal, and senior district officials. Chief Secretary, Divisional Commissioners of Kashmir and Jammu, and Deputy Commissioners from all districts participated virtually.
The snowfall, which began yesterday, has disrupted normal life in several districts of the valley.
During the meeting, Deputy Commissioners provided updates on snow clearance, restoration of power and water supply, and emergency response measures.
The Chief Minister directed officials to personally oversee snow clearance efforts and to document cleared areas with photographs to ensure thorough work and prevent freezing road conditions as temperatures drop. He emphasized the need for adequate manpower and machinery deployment and urged a proactive approach to managing the situation.
District administrations were instructed to provide updates every two hours to the CM’s and Chief Secretary’s offices to ensure the government remained informed.
The Chief Engineer of Public Health Engineering (PHE) reported that 90% of the water supply had been restored across the valley, with ongoing efforts to address the remaining 10%. Meanwhile, the Divisional Commissioner of Jammu confirmed that power and water supplies in Jammu districts remain unaffected. The Chief Secretary noted progress in restoring electricity feeders and assured that district hospitals were fully operational.
The CM stressed the importance of full attendance by doctors and paramedical staff in all district and sub-district hospitals to handle emergencies effectively.
Special instructions were given to the Deputy Commissioner of Budgam to coordinate with airport authorities to assist stranded tourists, including providing transportation if needed.
The Divisional Commissioner Kashmir assured that adequate stocks of essential commodities, including food and civil supplies, were available in all districts.
Commending officials for their efforts, the Chief Minister urged them to remain vigilant, proactive, and responsive to public needs during this challenging period. He emphasized seamless coordination and uninterrupted services to minimize the impact of the snowfall on daily life.