Ensure swift restoration of road connectivity: CM Omar

Srinagar, Aug 30: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday called for ensuring the swift restoration of road connectivity.

Chairing a high-level meeting to review the restoration works on Srinagar-Jammu National Highway and other major roads damaged by the recent incessant rains, CM Omar directed authorities to ensure swift restoration of road connectivity, smooth traffic movement, and uninterrupted supply of essentials, particularly to Kashmir and remote areas of Jammu division.

He emphasised the need for close inter-departmental coordination and timely updates to respond promptly to public needs.

The CM stressed the importance of facilitating the movement of perishable commodities like fruit from Kashmir and highlighted the grim situation in areas such as Kishtwar and Udhampur, which are facing outages of power, drinking water, road connectivity, and mobile networks.

He underlined the need for temporary restoration of highways, including Dhar-Mahanpur, Ramban-Gool, and Reasi-Mahore, to reconnect affected districts.

CM Omar enquired about the stock position of ration, fuel, and medicines in cut-off places like Bani, Kishtwar, Reasi, and Udhampur.

He directed officers to replenish supplies through alternate routes, including via Anantnag for Kishtwar and through Bhaderwah for Bani, until full restoration of roads is achieved.

The CM also directed that all roads under BRO, NHAI, NHIDCL, and other agencies that remain disconnected be monitored closely, with status reports shared with his office twice daily – morning and evening.

The meeting was attended by Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary to the CM Dheeraj Gupta, Principal Secretary Home, Principal Secretary Public Works (R&B), Divisional Commissioners of Jammu and Kashmir, several Deputy Commissioners, and senior officers from BRO, NHIDCL, NHAI, J&K Police, and other concerned departments.

Earlier, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo briefed the meeting about the condition of the highway, describing its restoration as the top priority since it is the lifeline connecting Kashmir with the rest of the country.

Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, informed that Kashmir has sufficient supplies of fuel and ration.

Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, informed the meeting about the ongoing restoration works on the highway, resumption of supplies into Kashmir, and special trains being run to facilitate passengers and tourists.

He assured that there was no shortage of ration, fuel, or other essentials in Jammu, and efforts were being made to keep cut-off areas adequately stocked.