CM Stresses Preparedness Ahead of Forecasted Weather Disturbance
SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today chaired a high-level meeting at the Civil Secretariat to review departmental preparedness following a weather advisory issued by the Meteorological Centre. The MET has forecast an active Western Disturbance likely to affect Jammu and Kashmir from October 4, bringing rain and snowfall to several areas.
Emphasizing the need for full readiness, the Chief Minister instructed all departments to minimize potential damage to fruit crops, ensure uninterrupted essential services, and maintain major roads and highways during the weather event.
The meeting was attended by Ministers Javid Ahmed Dar and Satish Sharma, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretaries Shaleen Kabra and Dheeraj Gupta, Principal Secretaries, Divisional Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners, MD KPDCL, Chief Engineers of Irrigation & Flood Control, PHE, Project SAMPARK and BEACON, as well as representatives from NHAI, NHIDCL, and the Meteorological Centre J&K. Outstation officers joined virtually.
The Chief Minister directed the Agriculture and Horticulture Departments to issue timely advisories to farmers and orchardists and ensure smooth fruit transportation during peak harvesting. Public Works and highway agencies, including NHIDCL, NHAI, SAMPARK, and BEACON, were instructed to keep machinery ready for snow and debris clearance at vulnerable points.
Power Development and Jal Shakti Departments were asked to deploy quick-response teams to restore electricity and water in case of disruptions, while the Disaster Management Department was tasked with activating control rooms and coordinating with district administrations for round-the-clock monitoring.
Police and traffic authorities were directed to regulate vehicular movement on highways and issue travel advisories as needed. Healthcare preparedness was also highlighted, with the Health Department instructed to ensure ambulances at vulnerable spots and identify patients needing urgent evacuation. The Information Department must widely disseminate timely updates and weather advisories.
The Chief Minister reviewed stock levels of ration, medicines, fuel, and LPG, and was assured that sufficient supplies are available until November, with replenishments ongoing. Vulnerable areas in Jammu division have been stocked adequately to prevent shortages.
To streamline operations, different roads will be assigned to designated agencies to avoid duplication, and unified control rooms will coordinate continuous clearance to restore connectivity efficiently.
Omar Abdullah underscored that the government’s priority is to remain fully prepared and responsive, stating: “Every department must work in close coordination to safeguard people, prevent crop losses, and protect vital infrastructure.”
