Srinagar, Apr 21: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Monday said that the efforts are being made to restore the National Highway and the residential area in Ramban affected by the recent landslides triggered by the heavy rainfall.
“Reached Maroog in Ramban district to take stock of the devastation caused by the recent flash floods and landslides. With the Banihal stretch of the highway cleared, I travelled by road and continued on foot to reach the worst-hit areas. The scale of destruction is deeply distressing. Our administration is on the ground, working tirelessly to ensure the safety, relief, and rehabilitation of every affected family. We will leave no stone unturned in standing by our people during this difficult time,” Omar said.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah visited the affected areas to personally assess the ground situation.
Accompanied by the Deputy Commissioner Ramban and senior civil and police officials, the Chief Minister travelled by road from Srinagar to reach Marog, one of the worst-hit villages. Demonstrating the deep concern and commitment of his government, he trekked several kilometres on foot through rugged terrain to reach Kela Morh, where the cloudburst had triggered flash floods, leaving a trail of destruction.
The natural calamity has claimed the lives of three persons while causing extensive damage to residential structures, vehicles, and critical road infrastructure. Ramban district, often referred to as the lifeline between the Kashmir Valley and Jammu, remained cut off for the second consecutive day due to debris and damage along the National Highway, J&K’s primary transport artery.
Interacting with residents and officials from the district administration, the Chief Minister was briefed on the scale of the damage and the progress of ongoing rescue and relief operations. He expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and assured that the government stands shoulder to shoulder with the victims of this tragedy.
“We will leave no stone unturned in standing by our people during this difficult time,” he added.
He further directed the concerned departments to expedite restoration work on the highway to resume vehicular movement at the earliest.
The district administration informed the Chief Minister that clearance operations are in full swing, with teams from the Public Works Department (PWD), Border Roads Organisation (BRO), disaster response units, police, volunteers, and the local population working round the clock to remove mudslides and boulders and restore normalcy in the affected area.
Parts of Ramban were severely affected following incessant rains that triggered flash floods and landslides, resulting in large-scale destruction. The calamity has claimed at least three lives, while several houses, shops, and vehicles have been damaged or washed away.
Earlier talking to reporters here, the Chief Minister said that he will assess the ground situation and will chair a meeting in this regard.
“In some Ramban areas, the situation has worsened. I had sent Deputy Chief Minister and two other local MLAs to the spot to assess the situation,” he said, adding that the efforts are being made to restore the highway immediately, and also the residential areas affected by the landslides.
The Chief Minister added that the arrangements are being made for the relief while the PM relief fund and other funds will be tapped so that the people get compensation.
However, he said, he want to assure people that there is no shortage of essentials and there was no need for hoarding. “The government and officials have been strictly directed to act tough against the black marketing and unnecessary price hike while police will also be involved to act against these persons and if needed, the arrests will also be made in this regard.”
He appealed to people to inform the government in case of black marketing.
He added that Srinagar-Jammu highway is presently closed, but if the need arises, Mughal Road will be used to bring the essentials.
Replying to a query, Omar said that the Supreme Court has been authorized to review the actions taken by the Centre or any other government. “Didn’t we approach SC on the Article 370 issue? The Parliament’s action was reviewed. Wasn’t the emergency declared during Indira Gandhi’s tenure challenged in the court? Approaching the court should not be politicized. The court has its jurisdiction, and the legislation has its own.”
“In Assembly we have done whatever we could have done and later we approached the court where we have got some relief for now.
There are no negative results, at least the SC while discussing the case have compelled the Centre to move backwards. For now, the interference of non-muslims has been stopped and self declared waqf is not being stopped. Let SC do its job, we will wait for its verdict,” he added.