Visits Ramban & Udhampur to oversee restoration works, meets affected people, assures immediate relief, rehabilitation and government support
RAMBAN/UDHAMPUR: After inspecting the damaged stretches of National Highway-44, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday said that he was told by the concerned authorities that full restoration of the highway may take 20 to 25 days, but two-way traffic could be made possible on the alternative route shortly.
Chief Minister today carried out an extensive tour of Ramban and Udhampur districts to assess the widespread devastation caused by recent cloudbursts, flash floods, landslides and mudslides, which have severely disrupted life and damaged the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway (NH-44).
An official spokesman said that at Maroge in Ramban, the Chief Minister inspected the 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 emphasized that the immediate priority must be to ensure smooth movement of traffic and uninterrupted supply of essentials 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 assistance will be provided under the State Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF), said the spokesman.
He further said that CM directed officials to ensure timely support for those in distress, while the Deputy Commissioner Ramban, Mohammad Alyas Khan, informed CM that immediate financial aid from the District Red Cross Fund has already been disbursed.
During his visit, Omar Abdullah also took stock of the availability of essential commodities, healthcare facilities, and critical services across the district. He instructed the administration to maintain availability of food supplies, clean drinking water, electricity, and medical care.
The CM assured the people of Ramban that the Government is committed to expediting restoration works and extending full support to the 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 works and instructed executing agencies to deploy additional men and machinery for speedy clearance of debris and repair of the highway.
The spokesman said that CM stressed that restoration of road connectivity is the Government’s top priority and asked the district administration to ensure that all possible measures are adopted to reopen the road at the earliest.
He emphasized that at least one tube of the highway must be opened urgently to facilitate the transportation of essential supplies to Kashmir and ease the hardships of the people.
While inspecting a damaged portion of the highway at Maroog, CM told reporters that he was told by officials from the National Highways Authority of India and the district administration that there is an alternative road (in Maroog) and that they are working on this route to enable two-way traffic.
Abdullah said he was told that full restoration of the Srinagar-Jammu highway may take 20 to 25 days, but two-way traffic could be made possible on the alternative route shortly.
Unlike before, the most problematic area this time is not the Ramban-Banihal stretch but is in Udhampur sector, he said. “Until repair work in Udhampur is complete, normal traffic movement cannot resume,” he added.
Abdullah said most of the internal roads have been thrown open and work is progressing rapidly on three other routes that remain closed.
During his interaction with the local residents at Bali Nallah and Thard, Omar Abdullah listened to their grievances and assured them of full government support. He directed the administration to immediately provide ration, clean drinking water, restore power supply, set-up temporary shelters and provide other assistance to families whose houses have been damaged. He stressed that the first priority is the safe relocation of affected families from vulnerable areas, followed by a comprehensive rehabilitation programme once connectivity is restored.
Highlighting the critical importance of the highway, the Chief Minister noted that NH-44 has suffered unprecedented damage in both Ramban and Udhampur districts, causing severe disruption to traffic and supplies.
He assured that every possible effort is being made to expedite restoration works and minimize public hardship.
Commenting on the cloudburst in Rajgarh tehsil of Ramban on Saturday, which claimed four lives and left one person missing, the chief minister said he has already ordered ex gratia relief for the victims’ families.
“The local MLA briefed me about the incident. The deputy commissioner and senior superintendent of police were on ground and disbursed immediate relief under Red Cross norms. We will take all necessary steps to rehabilitate the victims,” he assured.
Abdullah added that those affected by the cloudburst in Ramban a few months ago had similarly received assistance under State Disaster Response Fund and Red Cross norms.
