On December 29, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah chaired a high-level video conference with Members of the Legislative Assembly and Deputy Commissioners from the Kashmir Division to review the restoration efforts following the recent heavy snowfall. The meeting, held at the Raabita Public Outreach Office, focused on assessing the status of essential services such as snow clearance, power and water supply, healthcare, and other vital services.
During the meeting, MLAs from various parties expressed their appreciation for the swift response of the CM-led administration, acknowledging the government’s proactive approach in tackling the challenges posed by the heavy snowfall. Minister Javaid Ahmad Dar attended the meeting as a legislator, while Chief Minister’s Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani and senior officials were also present.
At the outset, the Chief Minister sought feedback from MLAs on the restoration efforts in their respective constituencies. Discussions centred on snow clearance operations and the restoration of power, water supply, and other essential services. DCs from the Kashmir Valley and snow-affected districts of Jammu Division provided updates on the situation in their areas, detailing measures taken to restore normalcy. The Chief Minister praised the local authorities for their tireless efforts and urged them to remain sensitive to public grievances, directing them to identify gaps in service delivery and take immediate corrective actions.
Omar Abdullah also emphasized the importance of planning ahead for the upcoming snowfall forecast, urging officials to refine their action plans based on the lessons learned from recent weather events. He stressed the need for prioritized snow clearance on link roads, inner lanes, and bylanes to ensure accessibility for residents. Additionally, he instructed the Jal Shakti Department to address water supply issues swiftly and to deploy water tankers in affected areas. The Chief Minister also called on the Srinagar Municipal Corporation and other concerned departments to implement measures to prevent waterlogging in low-lying areas.
Focusing on smooth traffic movement, Omar Abdullah underscored the need for better coordination between the National Highways Authority of India, Traffic Police, and District Administrations to ensure the free flow of traffic on key routes, particularly the National Highway. He also emphasized the importance of continuous monitoring and synergy among various departments to minimize inconvenience to the public.
The Chief Minister commended the efforts of Divisional Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners, and other frontline staff who have been working diligently in challenging climatic conditions. He reiterated the need for enhanced preparedness to tackle future weather events, with a focus on minimizing disruptions and alleviating public hardship.