Omar Abdullah reviews work after snowfall in Valley

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Wednesday reviewed work done to restore essential services and mitigate difficulties faced by the people in the wake of heavy snowfall in the Valley.

Immediately after his arrival here from Jammu, the chief minister chaired a high level meeting of divisional officers to review the measures put in place for road clearance operations, supply of electricity and drinking water, the stock and supply position of essential commodities, functioning of health institutions, status of the Srinagar-Jammu highway and the plying of traffic on various routes.

The chief minister also ascertained the preparedness of the administration to face any future eventuality because of heavy snowfall as also the arrangements made for the forthcoming Eid-i-Milad (Prophet's birthday) celebrations.

Abdullah also received details of relief extended to those who suffered after the fire at Dhobighat in Hazratbal area here.

He sanctioned relief of Rs.20,000 each to the 32 families whose houses were gutted in the devastating fire Monday.

The chief minister asked the officers of the government to be prompt and responsive to the requirements of people on all counts.

He said the road clearance and restoration of important public services that have been affected by the heavy snowfall should be first concern of the government officials.

"There is urgent need of keeping eye on hoarders, black-marketers and unscrupulous elements who utilize the unfavourable situation for increasing the prices and creating false scarcity of essentials," he said directing the divisional administration to be vigilant and make regular market checking a necessary feature in their daily functioning.

He also asked them to make sure that sufficient quantity of essentials and fuel is available across the Valley.

Abdullah was given detailed account of the stock and supply position of essentials, restoration of public services including clearance of roads, power and water supply.

The chief minister was informed adequate essential commodities sufficient for one month are stocked in the Valley besides kerosene oil and cooking gas.

As many as 2.15 lakh quintals of rice, 25,922 quintals of sugar, 93,700 quintals of wheat, 6,124 kilo litres of kerosene oil, 3.50 lakh cooking gas cylinders, 11,256 kilo litres of diesel and 2,899 kilo litres of petrol are presently stocked in the Valley.

The chief minister was told that 80 percent electric supply will be restored in the Valley by this evening while it will be 90 percent in Srinagar and north Kashmir districts.

As many as 6,000 kilometres of roads have been cleared of snow by the roads and buildings department while the mechanical department has made almost all major roads pliable. The work on clearance of interior roads, lanes and by-lanes is on apace.

While the Srinagar-Jammu highway remained closed for the second day Wednesday, air traffic into the Valley was restored after the weather improved here in the afternoon.