Omar takes stock of affected services after heavy snow in J-K

As Kashmir remained cut off from the country due to heavy snowfall, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today asked the administration in the Valley to be alert and responsive to the needs of the people in the state.
"The officers should to be alert and responsive to the public needs in the present hour of challenge as also be fully prepared for any future eventuality of this and other natures," Omar said, reviewing the progress of restoration of affected services in South Kashmir which witnessed the heaviest snowfall early this week.
In a video conference with the District Development Commissioners and senior officers of south Kashmir districts of Pulwama, Anantnag, Kulgam and Shopian, here, the Chief Minister enquired about the restoration of electricity and water supply, an official spokesman said.

He also enquired about road clearance, distribution and availability of essential commodities and fuel, functioning of hospitals, plying of traffic on various routes and other related matters, the spokesman said.
The spokesman said the District Development Commissioners briefed the Chief Minister on all aspects of the restoration operations and said there was sufficient stock of essential commodities and fuel, including LPG, in all the districts and strict vigil was being maintained on supply and distribution of essentials.
The officers said market vigil was also intensified and hoarders and unscrupulous elements warned of severe action if found indulging in black-marketing, hoarding and creating difficulties for the people.

The Chief Minister was informed that maximum restoration work has already been achieved and the rest was being attended to on a war-footing.
The spokesman said the Chief Minister also directed the District Development Commissioner, Srinagar, to upgrade the process of declogging the water-logged areas of the city and put in place additional pumps and machinery wherever needed.
The Srinagar-Jammu national highway connecting Kashmir with the rest of the country remained closed for the third consecutive day today as the Valley and Ladakh region reeled under intense cold conditions.