GANDERBAL, DEC 28: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah undertook several crucial visits and meetings across Ganderbal and other districts to review the ongoing snow clearance operations, assess the impact on healthcare services, and monitor the progress of development projects following heavy snowfall in the Kashmir Valley.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah first convened a video conference meeting with district officials across Jammu and Kashmir to review snow clearance efforts and the restoration of essential services, including power and water supply. The meeting, held at the video conference hall in Ganderbal, was attended in person by Advisor to the CM Nasir Aslam Wani, Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal Shyambir, ADC Ganderbal, and other senior district officials. The Chief Secretary, Divisional Commissioners of Kashmir and Jammu, and Deputy Commissioners from all districts participated via video conferencing.
The snowfall, which began yesterday, disrupted normal life in several districts across the valley. During the meeting, Deputy Commissioners provided updates on snow clearance, restoration of power and water supply, and emergency responses to address the inclement weather. The Chief Minister directed Deputy Commissioners to personally supervise snow clearance operations, emphasising the need to obtain photographic evidence of cleared areas to ensure thorough removal and prevent freezing as temperatures drop.
“The situation is challenging, and it is crucial that we take a proactive approach. I urge all officials to deploy adequate manpower and machinery to ensure swift action,” said CM Omar Abdullah.
District administrations were instructed to provide two-hourly updates to the CM’s office and the Chief Secretary’s office to keep the government informed about the situation. The Chief Engineer of Public Health Engineering (PHE) reported that 90% of the water supply across the valley had been restored, with efforts underway to address the remaining 10%.
The Divisional Commissioner, Jammu reported that power and water supply in Jammu districts remained unaffected, while the Chief Secretary confirmed steady progress in restoring electricity feeders and assured that district hospitals were functioning smoothly.
CM Omar Abdullah also stressed the importance of ensuring 100% attendance of doctors and paramedical staff at all district and sub-district hospitals to effectively manage emergencies during this period.
“I want to ensure that our hospitals are ready for any emergency, and that includes having full medical staff on duty at all times,” said the CM.
Special instructions were issued to the Deputy Commissioner, Budgam to coordinate with airport authorities to assist stranded tourists and provide transportation if required. The Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir assured that sufficient stocks of essential commodities, including food and other civil supplies, were available in all districts.
Commending officials for their efforts, the Chief Minister urged them to remain vigilant, proactive, and responsive to the needs of the people during this challenging period. He emphasised the importance of seamless coordination and uninterrupted services to mitigate the impact of the snowfall on the public.
Later, CM Omar Abdullah visited District Hospital, Ganderbal to assess the facilities and services available to patients during the ongoing inclement weather. During his visit, the Chief Minister inspected various units of the hospital and reviewed the availability of essential medicines, staff on duty, and the functionality of the central heating system.
The Medical Superintendent briefed the Chief Minister on the hospital’s preparedness to ensure patient care, confirming that the central heating system was fully operational. However, he also highlighted challenges such as a shortage of medical staff and ambulances in the district.
In response, CM Omar Abdullah reiterated his government’s commitment to enhancing healthcare services across Jammu & Kashmir and addressing critical gaps to meet public needs.
“We are committed to addressing the gaps in healthcare services. I assure you that steps will be taken to resolve the issues raised by the hospital administration,” said the CM.
“I wanted to take stock of the situation in my constituency. I also held a detailed interaction with officers to assess the conditions across all districts,” CM Abdullah said.
He directed the hospital authorities to strictly enforce the duty roster for medical and paramedical staff to ensure uninterrupted services and avoid inconvenience to patients.
