Omar Abdullah reviews emergency preparations ahead of harsh J-K winter

Srinagar, Nov 9: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday reviewed the preparations for winter in the Kashmir and Jammu divisions of the Union Territory.The review for the 2024-25 season was held at a meeting chaired by Abdullah at the Civil Secretariat, an official spokesperson said.Plans have been announced, but execution is now crucial. Our preparations will truly be tested with the first snowfall. The prolonged dry spell is already creating challenges of depleted water levels and reduced power generation due to a decrease in water flow,” the chief minister said during the meeting.”The credibility of the government rests on us. Once plans are announced, effective implementation becomes paramount,” he said,The meeting was attended by Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary Jal Shakti Shaleen Kabra, and Additional Chief Secretary to Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta.All administrative Secretaries, divisional commissioners, senior police and security officers, deputy commissioners, and BRO officers also attended the meeting.Officers from Jammu and other district headquarters participated via video conference.The Kashmir Divisional Commissioner gave a presentation on the winter preparedness measures already in place under his jurisdiction.The CM was apprised of how the snow clearance and maintenance of inter-district highways, district roads, town roads have been put on priority and focus is being laid on ensuring essential services and functioning of hospitals, PHE supply, grid stations, and Fire & Emergency Services.In regions such as Gurez in Bandipora and parts of Kupwara, where access during winter remains limited, sufficient fuel supplies have been pre-stocked.