Srinagar January 23 : In view of the recent snowfall, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday said that the government’s immediate focus is on restoring electricity, road connectivity and water supply, with priority roads being cleared first, followed by B-roads and C-roads, while other matters will be taken up later as normalcy is gradually restored across the Valley.
Talking to media as per Kashmir Pen he said that we had been waiting very eagerly for this snowfall and are thankful to Allah that it came late but came right,” he said, adding that the priority roads are being cleared first, followed by B-roads and C-roads, and assured that all roads across the Kashmir Valley will be gradually reconnected
Omar Abdullah said that the Kashmir Valley normally receives around 1,700 megawatts of electricity daily, but due to strong winds and system collapse, supply dropped to nearly 100 megawatts on Friday morning. He said the Power Development Department is gradually restoring the infrastructure and electricity supply is expected to be restored at the earliest.
The Chief Minister said timely snowfall is important as sudden melting can create problems.
He expressed hope that more snowfall will follow in the coming days.
Omar Abdullah also termed it unusual that Srinagar city did not receive snowfall this time, even as most parts of the Valley witnessed snow, with the airport recording around four inches. He said there is hope that Srinagar will also receive snowfall soon.
On the budget, the Chief Minister said discussions with MLAs will begin later in the day. He added that earlier consultations were held with stakeholders from industry, horticulture, agriculture, tourism, higher education and other sectors, and their suggestions and recommendations will be considered while finalising the budget.
The Chief Minister said snowfall is expected to boost tourism in the Valley. He noted that there was a delay in snowfall this season and even Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh initially received less snow. “Today there has been substantial snowfall, and we have heard that Gulmarg has received more than two feet of snow,” he said, expressing hope that it will attract more tourists and allow ski courses to be conducted smoothly and effectively. (KNS)
