Govt Focused on Restoring Highway, Assisting Affected Families: CM Omar

April 22, 2025

Govt Focused on Restoring Highway, Assisting Affected Families: CM Omar

Srinagar, Apr 22: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said that the government is making every possible effort to restore the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway within 24 hours, which has been blocked due to landslides.

While speaking to reporters, Omar said the immediate concern was to safeguard the lives of those stranded by the landslides, and prompt evacuation was carried out to ensure their safety.

“With lives secured, our next priority is to reconnect the National Highway. Until the road is reopened, essential supplies to Ramban remain stalled,” he said.

The Chief Minister added that the administration is working tirelessly, and officials have assured him that single-lane traffic will be restored soon to ease the situation.

Highlighting the government’s response, Omar noted that top officials, including the Deputy Chief Minister and local MLA, visited Ramban immediately after the incident, followed by his own visit the next day to personally assess the situation and ensure there was no loss of life.

He emphasized the importance of acting swiftly in such situations and confirmed that temporary relief measures for affected families are already underway. The government is also coordinating with the Red Cross to expedite financial aid for the victims.

On compensation, the Chief Minister stated that an assessment of property damage is being carried out and relief will be extended as per NDRF and SDRF guidelines.

Omar also mentioned that the administration will urge the Government of India to declare the area a disaster zone to ensure extended support for those impacted (KNS)