Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday chaired a high-level meeting at the Civil Secretariat in Jammu to review the delivery of essential services, summer preparedness, and arrangements for upcoming religious events in the Jammu division.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, Ministers Sakina Itoo and Satish Sharma, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary to the CM Dheeraj Gupta, Inspector General of Police Jammu, and several senior administrative officers. Srinagar-based officials joined the meeting virtually.
Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar, gave a detailed presentation on the functioning of various departments and their summer preparedness plans. He informed that the Jammu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (JPDCL) has maintained a sufficient buffer stock of transformers and implemented a planned curtailment schedule to minimize power outages and prevent grid overloads.
The Chief Minister stressed the importance of strictly adhering to the curtailment schedule to ensure minimum inconvenience to the public.
The Jal Shakti Department and Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) reported on water supply management, including the deployment of water tankers, sprinklers, and anti-smog guns. Noting water scarcity in certain newly populated areas, CM Omar directed the JMC and Jal Shakti officials to ensure immediate relief through tanker services and to expedite the completion of ongoing water supply schemes.
The Health Department confirmed that adequate medical supplies are in stock across the region, with ongoing awareness campaigns on heat-related illnesses, especially targeting vulnerable populations.
The Chief Minister also reviewed forest fire preparedness and the readiness of Fire & Emergency Services. The Irrigation & Flood Control Department reported on the desilting of canals and its flood mitigation plans for the monsoon season. Control rooms are now operational 24/7 to respond to any emergencies.
The Department of Food & Civil Supplies assured that sufficient food stocks under various schemes are available throughout the region.
The Chief Minister took stock of preparations for the upcoming Muharram processions and Shri Amarnathji Yatra 2025. The Divisional Commissioner briefed him on finalized routes for Muharram processions and the provision of essential services like power, water, and health support.
Regarding the Amarnath Yatra, the Chief Minister was informed about comprehensive arrangements extending from Lakhanpur (J&K’s entry point) to Lambar in Banihal, Ramban. Key preparations include RFID-based tracking, registration centers, lodgement and langar facilities, and medical and security arrangements.
CM Omar directed officials to give wide publicity to travel cut-off timings on the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway, which will be applicable to both pilgrims and tourists during the Yatra period.
The Chief Minister concluded the meeting by emphasizing efficient coordination among departments to ensure uninterrupted delivery of services and a safe, well-managed summer season for all residents and visitors.