Stresses on seamless coordination and swift relief measures in affected areas

Reviews preparedness and underlines need to safeguard lives and restore essential services

JAMMU: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today chaired a high-level meeting at the Civil Secretariat, Jammu, to review the situation arising from incessant rainfall leading to flash floods in Poonch & Rajouri. The Chief Minister also assessed the preparedness of the administration to deal with any weather-related eventuality across Jammu & Kashmir.

The meeting comprehensively reviewed the prevailing weather situation, the impact of heavy rainfall, flash floods and landslides reported from different parts of Jammu and Kashmir, and the measures being undertaken by various departments to ensure public safety, restore essential services and provide timely relief to affected families.

At the outset, the Chief Minister expressed deep condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in flash fllods and conveyed his sympathies to all those affected by the ongoing inclement weather. He said the Government stands firmly with every affected family and remains committed to providing all possible assistance for relief, rehabilitation and restoration.

Emphasising that protecting human lives remains the Government’s foremost priority, the Chief Minister directed the administration to remain on highest alert and ensure swift and effective response to every emergency.

He instructed all Deputy Commissioners and field agencies to closely monitor vulnerable areas, particularly those prone to landslides, flash floods and inundation, while ensuring that rescue teams, machinery and essential services remain fully prepared to respond at short notice.

The Chief Minister was informed that rescue teams have already been kept on alert in rain-affected areas to respond to any eventuality. He stressed that every possible effort should be made to trace and retrieve missing persons so that affected families receive timely support and they are able to reconcile with the reality of unfortunate death of their loved ones.

Reviewing the availability of essential commodities across J&K, the Chief Minister directed the concerned departments to ensure uninterrupted supplies of food grains, medicines, drinking water and other essential items in every district. He also called for the expeditious restoration of roads, power supply, drinking water schemes and communication links wherever these have been disrupted due to heavy rains.

The Chief Minister was also informed that sufficient funds have been kept available to meet relief and rehabilitation requirements wherever necessary. He directed that there should be no delay in extending financial assistance and relief to affected families.

The meeting was informed that adequate stocks of medicines are available across J&K while surveillance has been intensified to prevent any outbreak of water-borne or communicable diseases in the aftermath of heavy rains.

Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo emphasized the need for immediate rescue & relief measures, effective coordination between departments & agencies and furnishing of updated damage reports. He directed Divisional Commissioners to coordinate with Telecom companies for restoration of telecom services in the affected areas immediately.

Underscoring the importance of seamless coordination, the Chief Minister said that effective inter-departmental coordination is critical during such situations. He directed all departments, district administrations and field agencies to work in close coordination with one another and maintain constant liaison with the Army, Border Roads Organisation (BRO), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and other agencies engaged in rescue and restoration efforts.

“Coordination cannot be emphasised enough,” the Chief Minister said, directing all districts to keep their control rooms functional round the clock, maintain constant vigilance and ensure prompt dissemination of information to facilitate timely decision-making and response.

Reviewing the status of connectivity, the Chief Minister was informed that all major roads remain open, while clearance operations are underway to remove landslides and debris from affected road stretches. He directed the concerned agencies to expedite restoration works, with particular emphasis on restoring electricity supply in Poonch district at the earliest.

To strengthen monitoring during the ongoing weather situation, the Chief Minister directed that, beginning today and till July 24, every district shall submit situation reports every six hours to the respective Divisional Commissioners, who will consolidate and forward the reports to Department of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation & Reconstruction (DMRRR). The department will compile the reports and circulate them to the offices of the Lieutenant Governor, the Chief Minister, the Chief Secretary and the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. He expressed hope that the reporting mechanism could be discontinued after July 24 if weather conditions improve.

Regarding educational institutions, the Chief Minister noted that schools have already been closed till July 22. He directed the School Education Department to review the prevailing weather situation on July 22 and take an appropriate decision regarding opening of schools in both the Summer and Winter Zones, The Chief Minister also announced that, subject to the prevailing situation, Ministers will begin field visits from tomorrow to personally assess the ground situation, monitor relief operations and ensure that all necessary assistance reaches affected people without delay.

During the meeting, Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar, briefed the Chief Minister on the damage caused by heavy rains in Rajouri and deaths in Poonch districts and outlined the ongoing rescue, relief and rehabilitation measures being undertaken by the administration.

Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, apprised the meeting about the prevailing monsoon situation in the Kashmir Division, preparedness for weather-related emergencies, arrangements for the ongoing Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026 and other precautionary measures being taken to tackle any emerging situation.

Deputy Commissioners of Poonch, Rajouri and Kishtwar also briefed the Chief Minister on the damage reported in their respective districts and the actions initiated by the district administrations to address the situation.

Commissioners of the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) and Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) informed the meeting that men, machinery and emergency response equipment have been kept on standby to deal with any exigency arising from the ongoing spell of inclement weather.

The meeting was attended online from the Resident Commissioner’s Office, New Delhi, by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Ministers Sakina Itoo, Javed Ahmad Rana and Satish Kumar Sharma, besides Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani. The meeting was also attended by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Financial Commissioners, Administrative Secretaries of key departments, Additional Chief Secretary to the CM, ADGP Civil Defence & SDRF, Divisional Commissioners of Jammu and Kashmir, Inspector General of Police (Traffic), Deputy Commissioners, Chief Engineers of Irrigation and Flood Control, senior officials of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), JKPCC, JAKEDA, NBCC, telecom service providers including Jio and Airtel who attended the meeting online along with senior officers from all concerned departments and agencies.

The Chief Minister reiterated that the Government is closely monitoring the evolving situation and will continue to take all necessary measures to safeguard lives, minimise damage and ensure timely relief and rehabilitation for all those affected by flash floods and the ongoing spell of adverse weather across J&K.

The Lieutenant Governor is closely monitoring the situation. He has directed the Deputy Commissioners and senior officials to provide immediate aid to all affected families and ensured that emergency teams remain fully prepared for any situation.

The Lieutenant Governor has also urged the residents to stay calm and follow official updates.

In a post on X, the Lieutenant Governor has said:

“I spoke to the senior officials and reviewed the situation in Rajouri and Poonch affected by incessant rain and flash floods. In Rajouri, rescue teams from the civil administration, police, army, SDRF, and local volunteers are actively working on the ground. Affected families have already been moved to safety. All departments are on high alert, and they are prioritizing immediate relief and repair work. I urge residents to stay calm and follow official updates. I am deeply saddened by the loss of lives in Rajouri and Poonch’s Haveli and Surankote areas. My heart goes out to the grieving families. The heavy rains have also damaged several homes across Rajouri and Poonch. I have directed officials to provide immediate aid to all affected families in both districts and ensured that emergency teams remain fully prepared for any situation.”

JAMMU: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has expressed profound grief over the tragic loss of lives caused by flash floods and landslides in Poonch.

He extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured.

The Chief Minister said the administration, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Police and all other concerned agencies are fully engaged in rescue and relief operations. He has directed the authorities to ensure that all possible assistance reaches the affected families without any delay.

In view of the weather warning issued by the Meteorological Department and the seriousness of the situation unfolding across parts of the Jammu division, the Chief Minister said he would leave Delhi this afternoon to fly to Jammu and personally monitor the situation on the ground.

The Chief Minister has also been in constant touch with the local MLAs from the affected region to assess the evolving situation and coordinate relief efforts.

“While the situation continues to unfold, the first priority of the administration is to safeguard precious lives. The government will do everything possible to aid and assist the affected people who have suffered loss of life, property and damage due to the heavy rains, flash floods and landslides,” the Chief Minister said.

He reiterated that the government is closely monitoring the situation and will ensure that relief, rescue and rehabilitation measures are carried out swiftly and effectively in all affected areas.

SRINAGAR: The Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha today attended the Mahayajna Dharma Sammelan in Baramulla. On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor said in the Sanatan tradition, a yajna represents selfless sacrifice and shared responsibility aimed at fostering global peace.

“This Sammelan marks a spiritual rebirth for the region. It sends a powerful message of harmony and national unity from Baramulla across Jammu Kashmir and the entire country. For many centuries Baramulla remained a gateway of culture, a confluence of ideas, and a great centre of spiritual knowledge. Through today’s Mahayajna Dharma Sammelan we are reviving our glorious heritage of Baramulla.

On this land, where all faiths are respected, the Mahayajna is breathing new life into our spiritual legacy, which has given Jammu Kashmir a distinctive and unique identity in the world. Our ancestors, sages and seers prayed “Lokaḥ Samastaḥ Sukhino Bhavantu”-may all beings everywhere be happy and healthy. The view of our sages was always inclusive and compassionate, and today, as the world struggles with divisions and conflict, the prayers rising from this sacred land of Baramulla and the verses of the Vedas and the Bhagavad Gita offer humanity a powerful message of peace, goodwill and coexistence,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

The Lieutenant Governor also stated that our great tradition teaches us to see God in every person. He further added that the spirit of our spiritual tradition removes distinctions of language, region, caste and custom and India stands as a symbol where all religions have flourished.

“This Mahayajna Dharma Sammelan is a living expression of that national unity, and that is India’s true identity. In the rapidly changing world and a new way of life, we must strengthen the tradition of brotherhood and cultivate virtues such as patience, compassion, sensitivity and selfless love in the younger generation. Secondly, conserving nature should be our spiritual duty. Thousands of years ago our ancestors and sages taught us to revere nature. We called rivers our mothers, regarded trees as life-givers, and the Earth is worshipped as a mother-goddess in the Sanatan tradition. When we leave this earth, we should pass it on in a better condition for future generations.

The third issue concerns cultural revival. We must take pride in our glorious history, preserve our languages, literature, arts and culture, and pass on the wisdom of our ancestors to coming generations. This Mahayajna Dharma Sammelan will be truly successful only when its message reaches the youth and inspires them. In a world of rapid change, moral strength is necessary to remain competitive. It is my desire to see that India’s youth lead the world. They must innovate, guide ideas, and write a new chapter of progress with compassion. I want our Youth to carry forward India’s great cultural heritage and to show the world that modernity and spirituality can go hand in hand,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

Padma Shri Brij Lal Bhat; Shri Brij Mohan Sharma, Principal Secretary, Culture Department; Dr. Vinod Kumar, DIG North Kashmir Range; Shri Syeed Fakhrudin Hamid, Deputy Commissioner, Baramulla; Shri Gurinderpal Singh, SSP Baramulla; Shri Shivanand Rohit Raina, President, Maharishi Kashyap Colony, Baramulla; senior officials, civil society members, religious leaders, prominent citizens and people in large number were present.

Social and religious harmony is the cornerstone on which a strong society, a strong Jammu Kashmir, and a developed India can be built: LG Sinha

SRINAGAR: The Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha today addressed Interfaith Dialogue for Harmony in Baramulla, organised by the Save Youth Save Future Foundation. He commended the Save Youth Save Future Foundation for their contribution to the drug-free Jammu Kashmir campaign. He said the young volunteers worked selflessly and took on a great responsibility for a better future for UT.

“Through this campaign we have strengthened trust within our families and institutions, reinforced youth’s confidence in their future, and sent a message across the country that when a society rises up on its own, it can overcome biggest challenges,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

The Lieutenant Governor also highlighted that this land of Jammu Kashmir embodies harmony and brotherhood.

“For generations, people of different faiths received respect and experienced spiritual peace. It is the lasting legacy of the saints, Sufis, and Rishis who spent centuries teaching our people the power of love, compassion, and unity.

Lal Ded’s teachings didn’t belong to one religion. Her Vakh spoke directly to the human heart. She never judged people by their faith. Instead, Lal Ded focused on bringing different ways of worship together. Similarly, Sheikh-ul-Alam showed us that true devotion isn’t about conflict or division. It is found in compassion and in serving every single human being.

The flourishing rishi-sufi tradition in Kashmir does not proclaim the superiority of one faith. Its message is that all religions and beliefs draw their strength from the same existence, and I believe this teaching is our shared heritage. This heritage does not belong only to Hindus, only to Muslims, only to Sikhs, Buddhists, or Christians. It is the legacy of every citizen born on this sacred land, and protecting this heritage is our moral and spiritual duty. We must safeguard this harmony in the same way we protect our families,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

He also stated that social and religious harmony is the cornerstone on which a strong society, a strong Jammu Kashmir, and a developed India can be built.

“When the people move in peaceful coexistence then the energy of society becomes the greatest force for development. That is why I strongly believe that harmony is both a moral necessity for the people and the foundation of economic prosperity and it also a guarantee of a brighter future for coming generations.

We must strengthen the spirit of equal respect for all religions so that every citizen can progress with equal opportunities. We must reinforce mutual goodwill so that poverty is eliminated from every home. We must unite to promote fraternity so that we can uproot challenges like drug addiction.

From the soil of Baramulla today a message should go out that if there is any land in the world that can teach the world that different communities, sects, and faiths can live together in peace, joy, and trust, it is India,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

The Lieutenant Governor also called upon youth to believe in themselves.

“Believe in your ability. Believe that you can build a future far brighter than the past you inherited. For a long time, this land suffered from the scourge of drugs and terrorism, and that impacted the consciousness, dreams, and futures of the youth.

Today I say with full conviction that that era has now ended. Now the youth of Jammu Kashmir have taken the reins of their future into their own hands, and this Union Territory is moving toward a new era of education, entrepreneurship, innovation, spiritual awareness, and national unity. Let us together build a Jammu Kashmir that is stronger, more prosperous, peaceful, and progressive,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

During his visit, the Lieutenant Governor also met various public delegations. He assured appropriate action on the issues projected by them.

Major General Manoj Joshi, GoC, Dagger Division; Shri Brij Mohan Sharma, Principal Secretary, Culture Department; Dr. Vinod Kumar, DIG North Kashmir Range; Shri Syeed Fakhrudin Hamid, Deputy Commissioner, Baramulla; Shri Gurinderpal Singh, SSP Baramulla; Shri Wajahat Farooq Bhat, Chairman, Save Youth Save Future Foundation; members of the Foundation; senior officials, civil society members, prominent citizens, people from different walks of life and youth in large number were present.

During his visit, the Lieutenant Governor interacted with devotees and also took stock of the renovation works.

“For millennia, this sacred temple has anchored India’s spiritual, intellectual, and philosophical journey. Its revival serves as a historic bridge, connecting our past, present, and future. It marks the return of a consciousness that, for centuries, nurtured an unbroken tradition of reflection, dialogue, and learning. Restoring Vichar Nag is a vital step toward preserving the rich, diverse cultural heritage of Jammu Kashmir,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

Speaking to media persons, the Lieutenant Governor said: “Vichar Nag holds a sacred place in the cultural and spiritual heritage of Jammu Kashmir. The revival of this historic site, once a vibrant hub of knowledge where scholars from across the globe gathered for intellectual discourse, is deeply gratifying. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to everyone associated with this initiative.

After a long hiatus, devotees have gathered here today to perform Yajna and Havan. This sacred place associated with great scholars like Abhinavagupta, for more than 2000 years ago, has attracted a vast number of scholars from around the world to deliberate on spirituality to mathematics.

I pray that this revival marks the return of that era of fostering a renewed dialogue on knowledge, mathematics, science and modernity, while ushering in peace and prosperity for the region.”

The Lieutenant Governor was accompanied by Shri Rajiv Pandey, DIG CKR; Shri Akshay Labroo, Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar; Dr. GV Sundeep Chakravarthy, SSP Srinagar and senior officials.

In a statement issued here on Sunday Khan described the incident as highly unfortunate and an attack on administrative decorum. He emphasized that public representatives must maintain dignity and mutual respect when engaging with the highest office of the bureaucracy, noting that confrontational tactics only undermine the smooth functioning of governance.

Khan vehemently dismissed any insinuations of regional bias, highlighting the Chief Secretary’s long and unblemished track record. “Atal Dulloo is an officer of exceptional integrity who has consistently worked with absolute parity for the comprehensive welfare of both the Jammu and Kashmir divisions,” Khan stated.

The former EJCC Chief urged all political figures to prioritize constructive dialogue over political theater to ensure public grievances are resolved systematically without compromising institutional respect.

Srinagar :Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, on Friday chaired a high-level meeting to review the preparedness of various departments for the forthcoming Independence Day celebrations, emphasizing the need for advance planning, inter-departmental coordination, and timely mobilization of resources to ensure the smooth conduct of the national event.

The meeting was attended by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir, V.K. Birdi, Deputy Commissioners of all districts, and Heads of Departments (HoDs) of the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), Roads & Buildings (R&B), Power Development Department (PDD), Education, Culture, Jal Shakti, Health, Information, Hospitality & Protocol, Traffic Police, Fire & Emergency Services, Doordarshan, SKICC, and other concerned departments.

The Divisional Commissioner conducted a comprehensive review of arrangements relating to security, logistics, protocol, medical and emergency services, venue management, full-dress rehearsal, event execution, and post-event coordination.

To ensure seamless arrangements, Garg directed the Chief Engineer, R&B, to make comprehensive arrangements for tentage, seating, stage and dais, besides installing LED screens at the venue. The Chief Engineer, PDD, was instructed to ensure uninterrupted power supply with adequate generator backup and illumination of important government buildings.

The Chief Engineer, Jal Shakti, was directed to ensure an adequate supply of drinking water and installation of RO units at the venue. The Floriculture Department was tasked with decorating the dais and making floral arrangements at the BalidanStambh, while the Police Department was instructed to facilitate the showering of flower petals through drones during the celebrations.

The Commissioner, Srinagar Municipal Corporation, was directed to ensure proper sanitation, adequate toilet facilities, and effective dewatering arrangements in the event of rainfall.

The Police Department was instructed to put in place foolproof security arrangements to ensure the peaceful and smooth conduct of the Independence Day function.

The Information Department was directed to install a synchronized public address system in coordination with the R&B Department and Police to ensure uninterrupted proceedings besides installation of hoardings.

The Divisional Commissioner further directed the Departments of Culture, Youth Services & Sports, and the J&K Sports Council to prepare cultural programmes and performances. He also instructed the concerned departments to organize contingents comprising personnel from the Police, other security agencies, NCC, schools, and colleges. In addition, schools, colleges, and the Information Department were asked to organize quiz and singing competitions as part of the celebrations.

The Fire & Emergency Services Department was directed to deploy fire tenders and ensure emergency preparedness, while the Hospitality &Protocol Department was instructed to make appropriate arrangements for refreshments and other protocol-related requirements.

The Deputy Commissioners were directed to make similar comprehensive preparations in their respective districts to ensure that Independence Day is celebrated with patriotic fervour, enthusiasm, and dignity across Kashmir.

Speaking during the meeting, IGP Kashmir V.K. Birdi stressed strict adherence to the prescribed protocol for flag-hoisting ceremonies at all venues. He also called upon officers to deploy nodal officers and sensitize participants and dignitaries about the laid-down protocols to ensure the successful and orderly conduct of the celebrations.

Expressing profound grief over the incident, the Speaker interacted with the affected families, enquired about their well-being and assured them of all possible support during this difficult time.

During his visit, the Speaker directed the district administration to undertake an immediate and comprehensive assessment of the damage to residential houses, household belongings and other property so that the extent of the losses is accurately determined.

Taking note of the immediate hardships being faced by the affected families, whose houses have been rendered uninhabitable, the Speaker instructed the administration to make prompt arrangements for temporary accommodation by providing tents and ensuring the supply of free ration and other essential relief material without delay.

The Speaker further emphasized that the damage assessment process should be completed on a priority basis to facilitate the timely disbursement of admissible relief and compensation to the affected families. He directed the concerned officers to ensure that no affected household is deprived of the assistance to which it is entitled.

Reiterating the commitment to the welfare of the affected families, the Speaker directed the District Administration to extend immediate relief and all possible assistance, besides taking every necessary measure for their rehabilitation and restoring normalcy at the earliest.

SDM Chadoora, Executive Engineer R&B Charar-i-Sharief and BDO Phakerpora accompanied the Speaker during the visit.

The Speaker also visited the family of police personnel who lost his life in an accident at Bailey Bridge Chadoora to express his deepest condolences and sympathy with the bereaved family. He prayed for the strength to the family to bear this irreparable loss.