Omar tours Ramban, Udhampur to review flood damage, relief work

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday conducted an extensive tour of Ramban and Udhampur districts to assess the widespread devastation caused by recent cloudbursts, flashfloods, landslides and mudslides, which have severely disrupted daily life and caused extensive damage to the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway (NH-44).

At Marog in Ramban district, the Chief Minister inspected a severely damaged stretch of NH-44 and directed the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), BEACON, and other executing agencies to restore this vital road link on a war footing. He emphasised that the immediate priority is to ensure the smooth movement of traffic and the uninterrupted supply of essential commodities to the Kashmir Valley.

Reviewing relief and rehabilitation efforts in Rajgarh, which was hit by a devastating cloudburst, the Chief Minister assured the affected families that adequate financial assistance would be provided under the State Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF). He instructed officials to extend timely support to all those in distress. Ramban Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Alyas Khan informed the Chief Minister that immediate financial aid from the District Red Cross Fund had already been disbursed to the affected families.

During the visit, Omar Abdullah also reviewed the availability of essential commodities, healthcare services, and critical public utilities across the district. He directed the administration to ensure the continuous availability of food supplies, clean drinking water, electricity, and medical care.

The Chief Minister assured the people of Ramban that the government is fully committed to expediting restoration works and providing comprehensive support to all affected families.

Later, the Chief Minister visited the damaged portions of NH-44 at Bali Nallah and Thard in Udhampur district. He inspected the ongoing restoration work and instructed executing agencies to deploy additional manpower and machinery to accelerate debris clearance and highway repairs. Accompanied by Chenani MLA Balwant Singh Mankotia, Deputy Commissioner Saloni Rai, and senior officers of the district administration, he reviewed in detail the round-the-clock clearance operations currently underway.

He stressed that at least one tube of the highway must be urgently opened to facilitate the transport of essential supplies to the Kashmir Valley and alleviate the hardships being faced by the public. During his interaction with residents at Bali Nallah and Thard, Omar listened to their concerns and assured them of full government support. He directed the administration to immediately provide ration, clean drinking water, restore electricity, set up temporary shelters, and offer other necessary assistance to families whose homes have been damaged.

The Chief Minister emphasised that the immediate priority is the safe relocation of affected families from vulnerable zones, followed by a comprehensive rehabilitation plan once road connectivity is fully restored. Highlighting the critical importance of NH-44, he noted that the highway has suffered unprecedented damage in both Ramban and Udhampur districts, leading to major disruptions in traffic and essential supplies.