Jammu, March 5, 2025- During the Budget Session-2025’s Question Hour in the Legislative Assembly, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah addressed key concerns on power infrastructure, tourism, and disaster relief. Responding to MLA Shakti Raj Parihar, Omar Abdullah, who oversees the Power Development portfolio, detailed the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) aimed at curbing Jammu and Kashmir’s high transmission and distribution losses, currently at 50%. “For every rupee of electricity supplied, we lose 50 paisa. RDSS will modernise our grid and align losses with neighboring states,” he said. He noted that ₹86.28 crore has been sanctioned for Loss Reduction works in Doda district, with ₹17 crore utilized so far, and projects are on track for completion by March 31, 2026.
On tourism, replying to MLA Nazir Ahmad Khan Gurezi, Abdullah highlighted Gurez Valley’s rise as a tourist hotspot, citing its 2022 ‘Best Offbeat Destination’ and 2023 ‘Best Tourism Village’ awards. “The Tourism Department is exploring a dedicated Development Authority for Gurez,” he said, adding that commercial rafting began there in 2024. Meanwhile, addressing MLA Ali Mohammad Sagar, the CM assured that fire victims’ aid follows revised State and National Disaster Response Fund norms, reviewed every five years.
Omar Abdullah’s responses underscored the government’s focus on modernising infrastructure, promoting tourism, and supporting disaster-affected communities, setting the tone for the ongoing session.