Omar to camp in Srinagar to oversee emergency services amid severe cold

JAMMU, DEC 22: As the Kashmir Valley endures a bone-chilling cold wave, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced today that he will remain in Srinagar for the next week to personally monitor the functioning of the Power Department and other essential services.
The Chief Minister, who attended the pre-Budget and GST Council meetings in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, conveyed his decision through a series of tweets, emphasising his commitment to addressing the challenges faced by the people of the Valley during the severe cold spell.
The region is currently experiencing one of the harshest winters in recent years, with temperatures dipping to record-breaking lows. Srinagar recently recorded a frigid minus 8.5 degrees Celsius, marking the coldest December night in over five decades. The extreme weather has caused significant disruptions in water and electricity supply, exacerbating the struggles of residents.
In his tweets, the Chief Minister expressed his concern: “In light of the severe cold spell in the Kashmir Valley and the resulting difficulties with water and electricity supply, I have decided to cancel my forthcoming programs in Jammu and station myself in Srinagar for the next week to personally monitor the functioning of the Power Department and other important departments.”
Acknowledging the inconvenience his decision may cause to organizers in Jammu, he added: “I appreciate that cancelling my programs in Jammu will cause some inconvenience, and I regret the same. However, under the circumstances, this is the right course of action, and I will make it up to the people and organizations whose programs have been affected.”
The Chief Minister also shared that he is en route from Jaisalmer and will be in Srinagar by tomorrow morning: “I’m on my way back from Jaisalmer as I type and will be in Srinagar tomorrow morning.”