Omar Abdullah reviews relief efforts in Ramban

Ramban, Apr 26: Reaffirming the government’s commitment to those impacted by recent natural disasters, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday reviewed ongoing relief and restoration efforts in the flood-affected district. This is his third visit to Ramban in a short span of time.
The Chief Minister toured the worst-hit Dharamkund area, inspecting damages firsthand before chairing a high-level review meeting with district officials in Ramban.
Speaking to the media, he emphasised that the visit was meant to reassure residents that Ramban remains a priority for the government, even amid the recent tragic incident in Pahalgam.
“My purpose here is to assure the people that Ramban has not been forgotten. As soon as I was free from engagements in Srinagar, I came here to review the situation personally,” Omar Abdullah said.
The Chief Minister praised the swift and coordinated response of the district administration, particularly the Deputy Commissioner and Senior Superintendent of Police, for restoring traffic on the crucial NH-44 within 24 hours while simultaneously launching rescue and relief operations.
Highlighting the importance of long-term support, he directed officials to identify land for displaced families and to allot five marlas each for rebuilding homes. He also stressed the need to reorient disaster management strategies in Jammu and Kashmir to better address challenges posed by climate change.
“Many people have lost not just their homes but also the land they stood on. I’ve instructed the DC to find suitable sites so that land can be provided for rebuilding,” he added.
In response to concerns raised by public representatives, the Chief Minister directed the submission of a proposal to provide three months’ free ration to families in the worst-affected areas. He also called for the preparation of a special relief package for commercial losses, noting that such damages are not covered under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF).
“Even though SDRF doesn’t cover commercial losses, I’ve asked the DC to submit a proposal for businesses and shopkeepers who’ve suffered. We’re committed to approving such support once it’s submitted,” he assured.
Omar Abdullah confirmed that funds under SDRF have already been released and pledged liberal financial backing for further relief, rehabilitation, and restoration work. He emphasized a phased approach—focusing on rescue, recovery, rebuilding, and long-term rehabilitation.
He was accompanied by DDC Chairperson Dr. Shamshad Shan, MLAs Sajad Shaheen (Banihal) and Arjun Singh Raju (Ramban), Additional Chief Secretary to CM Dheeraj Gupta, Deputy Commissioner Ramban Baseer-Ul-Haq Chaudhary, and senior police and civil officers.
During the review meeting, public representatives raised several urgent concerns, ranging from infrastructure repair to immediate humanitarian needs. The Deputy Commissioner provided a detailed briefing, reporting the loss of three lives, over 1,000 livestock, and damage to 496 structures, 46 schools, and nearly 80,500 kanals of agricultural land. Eleven key highway locations were also severely impacted.
Of the 27 damaged water supply schemes under the Jal Shakti Department, nine have been partially restored. The administration has set up control rooms and camp offices near affected areas under the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), and relocated 69 families to safer locations including NHPC Colony and Maitra Community Hall.
Relief supplies, including ration, were delivered to remote areas such as Sencha–Bhagna via ponies, while 26 ambulances were deployed for medical emergencies. NGOs, civil quick response teams, and SDRF/NDRF personnel were mobilized to assist in relief efforts. Ex-gratia relief of ₹1 lakh each has been disbursed to families of the deceased from Red Cross funds.
The Chief Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to standing by the people of Ramban, promising continued visits and close monitoring of relief and rehabilitation efforts.