Image Credit: https://jknc.co.in/
Omar Abdullah Vows Swift Restoration of Jammu-Srinagar Highway
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has declared the immediate restoration of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) as the government’s top priority following flash floods and landslides in the Ramban district. During his visit to Kela Morh near Ramban, Abdullah stated, “Our prime concern is to restore the highway at the earliest and assess the losses for compensation to the affected people.” He clarified that the incident was a localized disaster and not a national one, and directed the district administration to conduct a full evaluation of the damage and submit a detailed report.
The Chief Minister emphasized the need to retrieve vehicles trapped under debris, declare unrepairable vehicles as condemned, and restore those that are salvageable. He also suggested the realignment of the affected stretch of the highway to avoid such disruptions in the future. Earlier in the day, Abdullah had announced his plan to personally review the situation on the ground, confirming that families impacted by the floods would receive financial relief through the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund and other government resources.
He further assured that the Deputy Chief Minister and two local legislators had already visited the affected areas to oversee preliminary relief operations. Abdullah issued a warning against black marketing and instructed the police to take strict action against offenders. He appealed to the public to remain vigilant and report any such activities.
Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir, confirmed that there is no shortage of essentials in the Valley and stated that there are adequate stocks of petrol, diesel, and LPG. He estimated that if weather conditions remain favorable, the highway could be restored within three to four days.
