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J-K CM Omar Abdullah Reviews Snowfall Damage in Ramban, Vows Swift Restoration

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah assessed the damage from continuous snowfall in Ramban, acknowledging the trouble it caused but affirming his administration's capability to manage it. Heavy snowfall, particularly in the Pir Panjal range's Kotranka-Budhal belt, has been reported as the heaviest in nearly 25 years, attracting tourists but disrupting travel. Restoration work is ongoing on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway and other key roads, which have been closed for three days, stranding hundreds of vehicles. Officials, including Deputy Commissioner Abhishek Sharma, are working to restore electricity, road access, and ensure uninterrupted essential services like rations and medical care.

Key Points: Omar Abdullah Reviews Snowfall Damage in Jammu and Kashmir

  • CM reviews snowfall damage
  • Snow clearance on highways progressing
  • Heavy snowfall in Pir Panjal range
  • Essential services restoration underway
  • National Highway closed for third day
2 min read

"Snow has caused a bit of trouble": J-K CM Omar Abdullah takes stock of snowfall damages in Ramban

J-K CM Omar Abdullah assesses snowfall damage in Ramban, pledges rapid snow clearance and restoration of essential services on highways.

"The snow has caused us a bit of trouble, but we'll manage to deal with this trouble. - Omar Abdullah"

Ramban, January 25

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday reviewed the situation of damage caused by continuous snowfall in Ramban.

Abdullah mentioned that the entire union territory had been waiting for the snowfall, which had caused trouble; however, he stated that his administration would address the challenges. The Chief Minister also informed that snow clearance on highways is progressing rapidly.

"I had stopped just to assess the situation... We were waiting for this snow. The snow has caused us a bit of trouble, but we'll manage to deal with this trouble... The work to clear the snow from the road is progressing rapidly," Omar Abdullah told reporters.

Meanwhile, several parts of Jammu and Kashmir, including Rajouri district, witnessed heavy snowfall this season, with the Kotranka-Budhal belt in the Pir Panjal range receiving significant snowfall, turning the region into a major attraction for tourists. Local residents said that such heavy snowfall has not been seen in nearly 25 years.

Deputy Commissioner Abhishek Sharma said that due to western disturbances, heavy snowfall has occurred in the Pir Panjal range, with maximum snowfall recorded in the Thanamandi and Kotranka sub-divisions. "During my visit to Thanamandi, basic facilities and essential services were reviewed, and their restoration was checked. Electricity restoration at Kotranka will be completed by tonight.

Vehicular movement will be within 1-2 hours. Continuous work on road traffic management is underway from early morning," he said, adding that efforts are being made to ensure uninterrupted rations, water, electricity, medical care and emergency services.

The Restoration work is underway on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway and other key roads, which remained closed for the third consecutive day on Sunday following snowfall, officials said.

Hundreds of vehicles were stranded at Jakhani in Udhampur on Saturday, an official said.

District Traffic Inspector (DTI) Udhampur, Vinay Gupta, told ANI a day earlier, "The National Highway has been closed since last night due to snowfall. The road has been temporarily opened for tourists heading to Patnitop. We are checking their hotel bookings and IDs before allowing them to proceed to Patnitop".

"The road to Srinagar is still closed. The Doda-Kishtwar road is also closed; restoration work is underway there," he added.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
"A bit of trouble" feels like an understatement for people stuck without power or on closed roads for days. The administration should have been better prepared, especially when they knew heavy snowfall was coming. Proactive measures are needed, not just reactive statements.
A
Aman W
Heavy snow after 25 years! While it's challenging, it's also a blessing for tourism and agriculture. Hope the locals are safe and getting the essential supplies. Kudos to the workers clearing the roads in such harsh conditions. ❄️
S
Sarah B
The focus on checking hotel bookings for tourists heading to Patnitop while locals are stranded shows skewed priorities. Everyone's safety and mobility should be the primary concern, not just facilitating tourism revenue.
V
Vikram M
This is a major test for the administration's disaster management. Restoring electricity, water, and medical services in remote areas like Kotranka is crucial. Hope the claims of completion by tonight hold true. Jai Hind.
K
Kavya N
My relatives in Rajouri said it's a winter wonderland but also a logistical nightmare. Schools are closed, and daily wage workers are suffering. The government must ensure compensation and support for the most affected families, not just road clearance.

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