Qayoom Lone | BuzzBytes News Network
NEW DELHI, July 20 (BuzzBytes): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday directed the administration to remain on high alert and ensure speedy restoration of essential services, relief operations and infrastructure damaged by recent heavy rains, flash floods and landslides across Jammu and Kashmir, while asserting that the safety and well-being of the people remain the government’s highest priority.
Chairing a high-level review meeting through video conference from New Delhi, the Chief Minister assessed the latest situation across both Jammu and Kashmir divisions, reviewing restoration of electricity, drinking water, road connectivity, healthcare, relief measures and the preparedness of all departments in view of continuing adverse weather conditions.
Power Supply to Poonch by Tomorrow Evening
The Chief Minister was informed that restoration of electricity in Poonch district is progressing on a war footing and is likely to be completed by Tuesday evening.
Directing the Power Development Department to meet the deadline, Omar Abdullah instructed officials to ensure that any remaining issues are resolved without delay so that normal power supply is restored at the earliest.
Restore Roads on Priority
Reviewing the condition of roads damaged by landslides, flash floods and heavy rainfall, the Chief Minister instructed the concerned departments to expedite restoration works, particularly on roads vital for public movement, emergency response and supply of essential commodities.
He stressed that connectivity should be restored on priority to ensure uninterrupted relief operations.
Protect Vulnerable Areas
Expressing concern over vulnerable habitations, Omar Abdullah directed district administrations to maintain constant vigilance in flood-prone and landslide-prone areas.
He instructed officials to use historical flood data to identify high-risk locations along rivers and streams and carry out timely evacuation wherever required.
The Chief Minister also ordered strict regulation of traffic on landslide and shooting-stone-prone stretches to prevent accidents and safeguard commuters.
Ensure Essential Supplies
The Chief Minister directed all Deputy Commissioners to ensure uninterrupted availability of food grains, medicines, drinking water and other essential commodities in affected areas.
He instructed the administration to maintain adequate stocks and distribute rations in advance wherever prolonged rainfall could disrupt road connectivity.
Special Focus on Srinagar Waterlogging
Taking serious note of widespread waterlogging reported from several parts of Srinagar following Monday’s rainfall, Omar Abdullah directed the Srinagar Municipal Corporation and other concerned departments to adopt a proactive strategy to prevent urban flooding.
He instructed officials to pre-position men, machinery and dewatering pumps at identified vulnerable locations to ensure rapid drainage of accumulated rainwater and restoration of normal public movement.
Kashmir Situation Under Control
The Divisional Commissioner Kashmir informed the meeting that despite heavy rainfall, the overall situation across the Valley remained under control.
Road connectivity, drinking water supply and other essential services continued to function normally, while migratory families residing in vulnerable locations had been shifted to safer places.
The administration has also issued advance weather warnings in view of the forecast of intense rainfall across South Kashmir and mobilised the entire administrative machinery to respond to any emergency.
Relief Operations Intensified in Jammu Division
The Divisional Commissioner Jammu informed the Chief Minister that major road stretches damaged during Sunday’s rains had been restored, while repair work on power transmission lines and drinking water infrastructure, particularly in Poonch district, was progressing on a war footing.
He said additional doctors, including gynaecologists, have been deployed to ensure uninterrupted healthcare services in remote areas.
Relief centres providing food, drinking water and medicines are fully operational, while disbursement of the Chief Minister’s ex gratia assistance announced earlier has already begun.
The administration is also processing allocation of three months’ food grains on priority, closely monitoring petroleum supplies and restoring mobile connectivity in the affected districts.
Water Supply Restoration Underway
The Jal Shakti Department informed the meeting that localized damage has been reported to water supply infrastructure and irrigation channels, particularly in Rajouri and Poonch districts.
Officials said adequate manpower, machinery and field teams have been deployed across vulnerable locations to restore drinking water and irrigation facilities at the earliest.
Situation Reports Every Six Hours
The Chief Minister directed all departments to strengthen inter-departmental coordination, closely monitor weather forecasts and remain fully prepared to tackle any emerging situation.
He instructed the Divisional Commissioners of Jammu and Kashmir to submit detailed situation reports every six hours to the Department of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction for continuous monitoring and timely decision-making.
Reiterating that public safety remains the government’s foremost priority, Omar Abdullah directed officers to work proactively, efficiently and with empathy to ensure that no citizen suffers during the ongoing weather emergency while guaranteeing timely relief, speedy restoration of services and effective preparedness for any further weather-related challenges.
The meeting was attended by Ministers Sakina Itoo and Satish Sharma, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Additional Chief Secretaries, Commissioner Secretaries, Divisional Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners and senior officers from key infrastructure departments and other concerned agencies. —(BuzzBytes)
