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Kullu HP Landslide: Amid tears, sobs, 3 Kashmiri labourers laid to rest

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Grief and mourning engulfed Central Kashmir’s Kangan on Saturday as the bodies of three local labourers, who were killed in a devastating landslide in Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu district, were airlifted and brought back to their native villages.

Pertinently, at least eight persons including six Kashmiris were killed in a landslide incident at Inner Akhara Bazar in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh two days ago.

The deceased have been identified as Abdul Rashid Sheikh, son of Mohammad Jamal Sheikh of Kijpora Kangan, Mehraj-ud-Din Lone, son of Mohammad Sabir of Gundari Kangan and Sajjad Ahmad Wani, son of Abdul Ahad Wani of Gundari Kangan.

Emotional scenes were witnessed as the coffins arrived in Kijpora and Ari Guripora Kangan. Thousands of people joined the funeral prayers, with heart-wrenching cries echoing through the villages.

According to KNO, locals carried the coffins through the narrow lanes before the victims were laid to rest.

MLA Gurez Nazir Ahmad Khan Gurezi, MLA Kangan Mian Mehar Ali, SDM Kangan Nazir Ahmad, and Tehsildar Kangan Mubashir Amin expressed solidarity with the families and took part in the last rites.

Shabir, a resident of Ari, said that “We sent them to earn a livelihood, but they returned in coffins. Our hearts are shattered.”

Political leaders across Jammu and Kashmir expressed their condolences.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah termed the tragedy heart-wrenching, while Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha described the incident as “unfortunate and saddening,” extending condolences to the bereaved families and praying for the safety of those still missing.

MLA Kangan Mian Mehar Ali said he had spoken to one of the injured labourers and assured the victims’ families of all possible support. He also confirmed that MP Central Kashmir Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi had been approached to take up the matter for timely assistance.

Officials confirmed that while the bodies of three victims have been handed over to their families, at least three more labourers from Kangan remain trapped under the debris in Kullu. Their bodies are expected to reach their native villages once recovered.

Rescue operations in Kullu is ongoing on a war footing as anxious families in Kashmir wait for news of their loved ones. (KNO)

Milad-un-Nabi (SAW) celebrated with zeal, thousands flock Dargah Hazratbal shrine

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: The famous Hazratbal shrine in Srinagar on Saturday turned into the epicentre of spiritual devotion as thousands of people, from different parts of the valley, thronged the revered shrine to mark Milad-un-Nabi (SAW), the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

The shrine, nestled on the beautiful banks of Dal Lake, witnessed massive gatherings from late Friday night as devotees from across Kashmir converged to participate in ‘Shab-e-Khawani — night-long prayers’, Qur’anic recitation and supplications.

According to details collected by KNO, the most moving and emotional scenes were witnessed after Fajr prayers this morning when the holy relic, Moi-e-Muqqadas — believed to be of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), was displayed before a sea of devotees.

The relic was shown five times throughout the day after each prayer, drawing overwhelming emotional responses.

As the relic was being displayed, the cries of “Allahu Akbar” reverberated across the shrine compound. Many devotees broke down in tears, raising their hands in prayers, while others quietly recited verses, overwhelmed by the charged atmosphere of devotion and spirituality.

“It is a blessed moment of our lives. Just one glimpse of the holy relic fills our hearts with peace and tears come naturally,” said Mohammad Shafi, a devotee from north Kashmir’s Kupwara, who had reached Hazratbal on Friday evening.

For many, the experience was deeply spiritual and personal. “We come here with our families every year. The atmosphere, the prayers, the tears is our way of expressing love for our beloved Prophet (SAW),” said Ruqaya Jan, a woman devotee from downtown Srinagar.

Meanwhile, the authorities had made elaborate arrangements for the congregation, including traffic regulation, uninterrupted electricity, water supply and medical facilities. Security personnel were also deployed to ensure the smooth conduct of the gathering.

Similar congregations were reported from other shrines and mosques across the Valley, including Asar-e-Sharif Kalashpora, Khanyar, Jinab Sahib Soura, Sonwar, Budgam, Bandipora and others where people participated in special prayers with equal fervour. (KNO)

Govt emblem not meant for religious places: CM Omar on Hazratbal incident

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday strongly criticised the installation of a government emblem at the revered Dargah Hazratbal Shrine, terming it both “unnecessary” and “avoidable”.

Speaking to reporters in Anantnag after assessing the post-flood situation, Omar, as per KNO said he had never seen such symbols installed in any religious place or function, and argued there was “absolutely no justification” for the move.

“If the work at Hazratbal had been done sincerely, people themselves would have recognised it. You don’t need plaques or emblems to claim credit,” he said.

The Chief Minister said that Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah gave the shrine its current shape, yet “he (Sheikh Abdullah) never thought of using a plaque or stone to highlight his contribution, and still people remember his role with respect.”

Reacting sharply to Waqf Board chairperson Dr Darakshan Andrabi’s statement warning of PSA action against those who damaged the emblem, Omar said the approach was wrong from the start. “The first mistake was to hurt people’s sentiments. Instead of threatening PSA, the right course would have been to apologise to the people,” he said, adding, “Emblems belong in government offices, not in religious places like temples, mosques or shrines.”

Speaking to reporters in Kulgam, the CM said that whoever ruled J&K for the last 10 years must place before the people a clear record of what has been achieved since 2014.

“The government should present its track record honestly, instead of diverting attention through unnecessary controversies,” he said, adding that in the coming months, an Assembly session will be held where he will seek a report about it. “Our government will take steps so that people won’t face such issues in future,” he added.

Omar further said that his government will adopt a zero-tolerance policy towards illegal mining. “Illegal mining will not be tolerated. Strict action will be taken against all those found involved,” he said.

Accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Ministers Sakina Itoo and Javed Ahmad Rana, Advisor to the CM Nasir Aslam Wani, and concerned MLAs of the district, the Chief Minister inspected the flood-hit localities of Mehandi Kadal, Janglaat Mandi, Deva Colony, Ashajipora Bridge, and other areas of Anantnag.

Residents of Ganjiwara raised demands for the early completion of the flood shed pump, along with repairs of interior roads and drainage works in Eidgah Colony.

Later, the CM chaired a high-level review meeting in Anantnag, attended by the Deputy CM, Ministers, CM’s Advisor, concerned MLAs, Deputy Commissioner Anantnag, SP Anantnag, district officers from all line departments, and other officials. He personally took stock of damages, restoration works, and the challenges faced by the people in Kulgam district.

Omar’s visit, marked by interaction with affected families and on-ground review of damaged infrastructure, underscored the government’s commitment to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the public in this testing time.

The Chief Minister toured several affected areas, including Khudwani, Aadigatnoo, Gudder, Laisoo and adjoining localities. He assured the people that his government would take every possible step to provide timely relief and assistance.

He directed the district administration to accelerate restoration works on a war footing while ensuring an uninterrupted supply of essential services in affected areas.

Later, at a meeting convened at the Mini Secretariat Kulgam, the Deputy Commissioner briefed the Chief Minister about the early evacuation undertaken to safeguard lives and presented details of damage to roads, bridges, and public utilities. He outlined the steps initiated for a fast-track restoration of services. (KNO)

Jammu-Srinagar National Highway likely to reopen in 2-days, restoration work underway: Dr Jitendra Singh

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, on Saturday said the restoration work of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway is going on at a war footing basis and it is expected to reopen within two days.

In a post on X, Dr Singh, according to KNO said, “Road restoration in the district is progressing fast! Out of 400 damaged roads, over 50% have already been restored, and many more will reopen soon.”

He said, “Restoration work of the National Highway is going on despite constant rain and adverse weather conditions. It is expected to be operational soon—maybe in one or two days—depending on how favorable the weather remains to ensure speedy work.”

The Jammu-Srinagar Highway in Udhampur has remained shut for more than ten days after it was badly damaged in the district.

According to the officials an early morning downpour on Saturday derailed the National Highways Authority of India’s (NHAI) efforts to restore traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway today. “Efforts are on at a war footing to clear the 250-metre stretch of the highway at Thard in Udhampur district which was buried under a hill,” said an official, adding, “What we had gained during the day on Friday was washed away by intense half-an-hour rainfall this morning. We have mobilised the men and machinery and started the work afresh to ensure early reopening of the arterial road as soon as possible.”

Jatinder Singh, Deputy Superintendent (DySP)-Traffic Udhampur-Reasi Range, said men and machinery are at work to restore the highway and blasting is being carried out on the stretch. “The work to restore the highway is underway. NHAI is doing their job so that people will not struggle to cross the highway on foot, and single-way traffic for small vehicles will be restored soon,” he said.

It may be recalled that the highway was closed for traffic amid heavy rain across the Jammu division early this week, following multiple landslides, mudslides and shooting stones from the hillocks overlooking the road besides washing away of road patches at different places between Udhampur and Banihal.

The closure of the highway left hundreds of vehicles, mostly trucks, stranded on both sides, officials said.

Meanwhile, the Mughal Road — an alternate link connecting Poonch and Rajouri districts with south Kashmir’s Shopian district — is open for light motor vehicles.

The Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag road, another alternate link, remained closed for the fourth day despite a massive road clearance operation. (KNO)

Flood threat eases after 60 hours in Kashmir

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: The flood threat in Kashmir eased after 60 hours as the water level in the Jhelum receded below the flood declaration mark on Saturday.

According to the details gathered by KNO, Jhelum level fell below flood declaration mark at Pampore and Ram Munshi Bagh stations this morning.

Independent Weather Forecaster, Faizan Arif Keng informed that the Sangam station witnessed a fall below the flood declaration mark after the gap of 42 hours.

Notably, Kashmir witnessed flood-like situation after heavy rainfall led to the rise in the water level in river Jhelum and other tributaries till September 4. However, some of the areas including Zoonipora, Shalina, Tailbal, Taigan and adjacent areas got submerged after the river water entered into the residential areas.

Water levels rise in Bandipora, Uri

While the situation eased in Srinagar and southern parts of Kashmir, the Jhelum witnessed a rise in frontier town of Uri in North Kashmir’s Baramulla district while the Wullar Lake also swelled in Bandipora District.

Keng informed that Wular Lake rose silently. “The rising rate has been extremely slow, at nearly 0.5 inches per hour, during the recent hours. However, as the water level of the Jhelum at Asham has fallen by a couple of feet, it suggests that levels may stabilize soon,” he said.

Furthermore, the authorities in Uri issued an urgent public advisory after a significant rise in the water level of the Jhelum river, urging people to remain cautious.

The Jhelum, officials said was flowing at around 630 Cumecs and was expected to swell further in the coming hours, posing a threat to low-lying areas in the villages near Line of Control in Uri sector.

In an advisory, authorities strictly prohibited any movement near the Jhelum and other water bodies in Uri.

Residents living in vulnerable and low-lying areas were asked to remain on high alert and adopt precautionary measures. Besides, citizens were advised to stay indoors, remain attentive to official warnings and in case of emergencies, dial 112 immediately.

“All concerned departments have been directed to remain on maximum alert and ensure full readiness to deal with any emergent situation,” the advisory reads.

Meanwhile, the SDM Uri directed the Tehsildar Uri/Boniyar to restrict public movement near the river, while NHPC-I and II were asked to make announcements in flood-prone areas to alert the public.

A 24×7 Sub-Division Control Room was activated for assistance on helpline numbers: 7780940038 and 9103303428.

NO SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ACTIVITY EXPECTED TILL 12TH SEPTEMBER

Moreover, Director Meteorological department (MeT), Dr Mukhtar Ahmad told KNO that no significant weather conditions are expected till 12th September.

He said that a brief spell of light rain is expected to occur at scattered places in the next six days.

In its advisory, the MeT said that there is a possibility of landslides and shooting stones at few vulnerable places, advising people to stay away from water bodies, nallas, river embankments and loose structures.

The farmers have been advised to resume farm operations forthwith & harvesting of paddy from 9th onwards. (KNO)

Er Rashid had altercation with transgenders, suffered minor injuries, say Tihar Jail authorities

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Tihar Jail authorities on Friday acknowledged that jailed Member Parliament from Baramulla Er Rashid had an altercation with transgenders lodged in the prison, but denied that there was any “murderous assault” on him.

According to the details available with KNO soon after Awami Ithad Party (AIP) alleged that its president was attacked inside the Tihar jail with an “intent to kill”, the Tihar Jail authorities dismissed the allegations as baseless.

“About 7–8 days ago, Rashid had a verbal altercation with transgender inmates lodged in Jail Number 3, after which they assaulted him. He sustained only very minor injuries. At present, only three transgender prisoners are lodged in Tihar. Allegations regarding murder planning and other charges are unfounded”, Tihar Jail authorities said in a statement.

Earlier, Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) raised alarm over what it termed a ‘murderous plot’ against incarcerated Member of Parliament from Baramulla, Engineer Rashid inside Tihar Jail.

The AIP referred to revelations made by MP Er Rashid during his recent legal meeting with his counsel, Advocate Javeed Hubbi.

“Tihar authorities have devised new methods to harass Kashmiri prisoners by deliberately lodging male eunuchs with them, encouraging them to provoke and attack,” Hubbi quoted Er Rashid as having said.

According to Hubbi, Er Rashid narrowly escaped a fatal injury after a group of inmates pushed and threw a gate on him. “It was a miraculous escape. Had it hit directly, it could have been fatal. This is nothing short of a deliberate attempt to physically harm him”, he alleged.

Er Rashid also claimed that fellow Kashmiri detainees, including Ayoub Pathan of Beerwah, Bilal Mir of Qamarwari, Amir Gojri of Srinagar and Arshid Tanch of Kupwara, have been repeatedly harassed, particularly during prayers.

He further alleged that HIV-positive inmates were intentionally lodged with Kashmiri prisoners as part of a larger campaign backed by jail gangsters.

The AIP, meanwhile, demanded an independent probe and immediate guarantees for the safety and dignity of all Kashmiri detainees. (KNO

Jammu-Srinagar Highway shut for 4th day, Mughal Road reopens

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway remained closed for the fourth straight day on Friday due to landslides, with around four thousand vehicles stranded. However, the Mughal Road has reopened after a four-day closure.

An official told KNO that the 270-km-long Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, considered the lifeline of Kashmir, continues to remain closed for the fourth day on Friday due to damage on the route.

He said that in the last eleven days, only one day the road was partially restored, adding that a major hurdle remains the reconstruction of a critical patch at Thard in Udhampur district.

The official said the highway in Udhampur is expected to reopen partially tomorrow as every effort is being made to reopen it. “Big boulders are lying on the patch at Thard. Now blasting is being used on the big boulders. At Thard eleven machines are being used to restore the highway as soon as possible,” he said.

A traffic official told KNO that the Ramban-Banihal stretch has been partially restored for stranded traffic after it was hit by landslides and shooting stones. He said men and machinery are on the job to restore two-way traffic in the Ramban-Banihal sector.

According to officials, more than 3,000 vehicles, including 500 trucks carrying fruit, are stranded on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway due to landslides, road sinking, and debris accumulation.

The most critical disruption is reported between Samroli and Udhampur, where a 10-kilometre stretch of the highway has collapsed, posing significant challenges to restoration teams. Repair and clearance operations are ongoing, but due to the scale of the damage, traffic movement is yet to resume.

Vehicles are stuck in multiple locations, particularly between Qazigund and Wanpoh. Authorities confirmed that once the road is cleared, fruit-laden trucks will be given priority for movement to prevent spoilage and further economic loss.

Truck drivers have raised concerns about the lack of food, money, and basic supplies. Many drivers have been stranded for over ten days with no assistance.

The drivers near Qazigund said that their resources have been exhausted and called for immediate relief and restoration of the highway.

The Mughal Road, an alternative route connecting Poonch and Rajouri with south Kashmir, was also blocked due to landslides and falling rocks. After remaining closed for four days, it has been reopened for traffic movement, officials said. Passenger vehicles and private cars have been permitted to travel in both directions between Jammu and Srinagar via Poonch.

For heavy motor vehicles, however, movement has been restricted. Only sixty-tyre trucks carrying essential supplies are currently being allowed to ply from Poonch towards Shopian, while larger vehicles remain barred until the road condition improves.

Meanwhile, the Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag road remains shut due to unstable conditions.

The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has expressed concern over the prolonged highway closure. In a statement, KCCI said that the blockage has disrupted trade, supply chains, and transport of essential goods, including fruits, vegetables, livestock, groceries, and dairy products. The group stated that the unavailability of alternative logistics systems has deepened the crisis, affecting several sectors.

The KCCI urged the government to allow the movement of heavy vehicles through the Mughal Road until the national highway is restored. It also appealed to traders to avoid increasing prices during the crisis.

The Chamber called for a long-term contingency plan to manage such recurring disruptions, pointing out the region’s dependence on a single highway. It stressed the need for a sustainable supply chain mechanism to minimise economic losses and prevent future crises due to natural disruptions. (KNO)

Rains, landslides leave trail of destruction; J&K begins recovery, surveys underway

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: After days of relentless rains, cloudbursts and landslides that wreaked havoc across Jammu and Kashmir, people have begun the process of rebuilding and cleaning their homes.

Pertinently, in recent weeks, natural disasters in the Union Territory have claimed over 150 lives and caused widespread destruction of property.

Officials told KNO that the 4th Tawi Bailey Bridge at Bhagwati Nagar in Jammu was opened for light motor vehicles on Friday, easing congestion in the city where traffic had been severely disrupted by the floods.

The official said that there’s a possibility that the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway will be reopened on Saturday if weather conditions remain favourable.

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh said the rehabilitation process was gaining pace but critical challenges remained. “The road from Gulabgarh to Chashoti, which is a vital link to the spot that suffered the cloudburst tragedy, is still blocked and may require heavy equipment to remove the blockade. Authorities are working with the target of clearing it by late evening,” he said.

The pilgrimage to the cave shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi in Reasi district, however, remained suspended for the 11th consecutive day. The yatra was halted after a landslide on August 26 claimed 34 lives and injured 20 others. “Yatra is still suspended. This is due to the decision taken by authorities last week, keeping in view the safety of pilgrims. A decision to resume will be taken after reviewing all aspects,” an official said.

In Panchayat Bali of Udhampur district, a massive landslide has left more than 50 houses completely destroyed and several others partially damaged. Residents have appealed to the government to provide immediate compensation and relief to the affected families.

Ramesh Kumar, whose house was reduced to rubble, said, “We have lost everything, our homes, cattle, and fields. The government must step in quickly so that we can start rebuilding our lives.”.

Another villager, added, “We are living in temporary shelters with no proper food or water. Winter is approaching, and without compensation or support, survival will become even more difficult.”

Officials said assessment teams have been sent to the area to record the extent of the damage.

Another top official said a team from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is on the ground inspecting areas affected by heavy rains, floods, and landslides, while major rehabilitation measures are being undertaken by the government. Multiple surveys are being conducted in flood-hit regions of J&K, and compensation will be provided after assessments are completed.

Leader of Opposition in the J&K Assembly Sunil Sharma visited flood-hit areas in Reasi, including Markulle village and the BSF post at Mala Bela, along with MLA Akhnoor Mohan Lal. He assured residents of timely relief and rehabilitation. Officials said land subsidence in Reasi’s Bagga Jameslan and Sarh had damaged 50 houses, forcing villagers to evacuate.

SRINAGAR, BANDIPORA, SOUTH KASHMIR

Meanwhile, floodwaters continued to affect several areas. In Srinagar’s Hajam Mohalla, locals said water levels were still rising. “Our ground floors are filled with water, and despite some sunshine, the situation is not easing here,” said Mohammad Ashraf, a resident. In Bandipora, the rising water in Wular Lake forced the evacuation of families from low-lying villages.

In South Kashmir, residents in flood-hit low-lying areas reported gradual improvement. “Water has started receding from our homes. We are cleaning whatever is left, though most of our belongings are destroyed,” said Naseema Begum from Pulwama. Local orchards have also suffered heavy losses.

Fruit growers have urged the government to announce a special compensation package to cover damages.

PREZ MURMU EXPRESSES ANGUISH

President Droupadi Murmu expressed her anguish over the widespread devastation in J&K and other states. “Cloudbursts in the hills and floods in the plains have taken a heavy toll. The nation shares the sorrow of the people affected by calamities and is with them in this crisis. I commend the spirit of those involved in rescue and relief,” she said.

“I have been deeply anguished every time I have come to know about natural calamities during the monsoon this year. Cloudbursts in the hills and floods in the plains have taken a heavy toll, leaving death and destruction in their wake in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Assam and many other parts of the country,” she said.

The President said that the nation shares the sorrow of the people affected by calamities and is with them in this crisis. “I commend the spirit of those involved in the rescue and relief operations. Together we will overcome this challenge,” she added. (KNO)

Kashmir’s flood legacy: 34 ‘significant’ floods in past 2 centuries

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: The Kashmir Valley has witnessed a staggering 34 ‘significant’ flood events over the past two centuries.

In a clear indication of the region’s chronic susceptibility to water-related calamities, official data reveals that 34 ‘significant’ floods have occurred in the Jhelum basin since 1800.

According to the data, available with KNO the recurrence rate of floods is approximately one every six years.

It reveals that floods of 1902, 1959 and 2024 were the most extreme flooding events in recent living memory.

The 2014 floods wreaked havoc in Kashmir Valley causing loss of human lives and massive damage to infrastructure.

The World Bank had put the estimate of losses due to 2014 floods in the then erstwhile state at Rs 21,000 crore—far below the state government’s “preliminary estimate” of losses worth Rs 1 lakh crore (Rs 1 trillion) due to the devastating deluge.

The state administration had described 2014 floods as a “disaster of international magnitude where losses to properties and businesses were in excess of Rs 100,000 crore (one trillion)”.

In the aftermath of devastating deluge, the Union Government had constituted a three-member panel—comprising the Chairman of the Central Water Commission, the Indus Commissioner, and the Director of the National Institute of Hydrology, Roorkee—to undertake an in-depth study and analysis’ of the unprecedented floods in J&K so as to make suitable recommendations along with a detailed action plan to deal with such threat in future.

The expert group submitted its report to the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation on October 31, 2014.

The group suggested that the bowl shape of the valley and very mild slope of Jhelum river makes the area between Sangam and Wular Lake susceptible to flooding in case of heavy rainfall.

“The low carrying capacity of the Jhelum river is due to very mild slope of the order of 1/10000 between Sangam and Wular Lake resulting in very low flow velocity in the river reach of about 96 KM,” the group said. “This slope also results in steep rise of river water level in case of high discharge in river.”

It suggested both short-term and long-term measures to avert floods in Kashmir.

The short-term measures recommended by the panel included raising and strengthening existing embankments, enhancing the carrying capacity of the existing Flood Spill Channel (FSC), dredging the Outfall Channel (OFC) to increase its capacity, setting up rapid-action dewatering facilities in urban areas, and establishing adequate emergency response systems and designated rescue zones.

The long-term measures recommended by the panel included constructing an additional supplementary Flood Spill Channel, creating water storage infrastructure, developing and enhancing the capacity of Wular Lake, implementing floodplain zoning regulations, among other initiatives. (KNO)

Don’t lower guard, next 72 hours crucial: CM Omar on flood situation

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Stating that the next 72 hours are crucial, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday directed officials to maintain strict vigil and plug in the breaches along the river Jhelum and other streams across Kashmir.

The Chief Minister, according to KNO while chairing a meeting for the third consecutive day here to assess the flood situation in Kashmir directed the officials not to lower the guard till the situation becomes completely normal.

Pertinently, the incessant rains created a flood-like situation at multiple places in the Valley with many areas getting submerged amidst the rise in the water levels in river Jhelum and other tributaries.

The Jhelum was flowing above flood declaration mark till this evening at Pampore and Ram Munshi Bagh stations.

The Chief Minister stated that the next 72 hours are crucial. He asked the officials to maintain strict vigil and ensure that the breaches are plugged in without any delay.
He also stated that while the water has started receding, they cannot afford any complacency.

The Divisional Commissioner Kashmir briefed the meeting on the water levels at Sangam, Ram Munshi Bagh, and Asham, confirming that the Jhelum has receded below the danger mark. He informed that teams from the Irrigation & Flood Control (I&FC) Department, police, and other agencies are patrolling vulnerable embankments and reinforcing them with sandbags. Inundated villages in Shalina are witnessing receding waters, and relief measures are underway for displaced families.

On restoration efforts, the meeting was informed that water supply schemes are functioning with only minor disruptions, while power, telecom, and health services remain largely unaffected. Essential supplies are being routed through the Mughal Road, which has temporarily become the valley’s lifeline. The Srinagar-Jammu National Highway (NH-44) is expected to reopen tomorrow, with fruit-laden trucks currently being cleared in a phased manner via Mughal Road.

Deputy Commissioners of all districts also shared ground reports, confirming receding water levels in the Jhelum’s tributaries, including Lidder, Vaishow, Sandran, and Rambi Ara.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah directed immediate reinforcement of embankments, evacuation from inundated areas, and round-the-clock monitoring through control rooms. He emphasized frequent field visits, timely advisories urging people to remain alert and avoid panic, and full public cooperation with the administration.

The Chief Minister further instructed officials to ensure uninterrupted arrangements for evacuees, maintain close coordination with police to uphold order, and counter rumour-mongering to prevent panic. He stressed the swift restoration of essential services such as electricity, water supply, and road connectivity, alongside a realistic damage assessment to guide relief and compensation measures.

“Deputy Commissioners must conduct realistic assessments of the damage caused to property, agricultural lands, and infrastructure. These findings will form the basis for projecting requirements to the Government of India,” he said.

To support immediate relief operations, the Chief Minister announced the release of ₹5 crore from the UT CapEx budget, in addition to funds from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF). He also asked Deputy Commissioners and Agriculture Department officials to assess damage to standing crops across both provinces. Highlighting the strategic importance of the Mughal Road amid the NH-44 blockade, he directed the Health Department to remain vigilant against potential water-borne and post-flood diseases.

Reiterating his government’s commitment, Omar Abdullah assured that safety, timely relief, and early restoration of normalcy in flood-affected areas remain top priorities. Notably, this was the third meeting chaired by the Chief Minister in the last three days to review the flood situation with a focus on rescue, relief, and rehabilitation.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Minister for Health & Medical Education Sakina Itoo, Minister for Jal Shakti Javed Ahmad Rana, and Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani. Also present were Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary to CM, Additional Chief Secretaries Jal Shakti, Agriculture Production, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, all Administrative Secretaries, heads of key departments, senior police officers, Chief Engineers of KPDCL, KPTCL, I&FC, PHE, R&B, BEACON and SAMPARK, Commandants of SDRF and NDRF, Director India Meteorological Department Kashmir, RO NHAI J&K, State Level Coordinator IOCL J&K, besides other concerned officers. Outstation officers participated through video conference. (KNO)

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