CM visits ravaged Ramban; Jammu-Srinagar NH to take 5-6 days to open

JAMMU/SRINAGAR: A day after rain-triggered cloudbursts and landslides wreaked havoc in J&K’s Ramban , CM Omar Abdullah visited the district on Monday to assess the ground situation, even as authorities began clearing debris from Banihal sector of the crucial Jammu-Srinagar national highway.

After walking to the worst-hit Kela Morh — a few kms from Jammu-Srinagar NH — he told reporters, “The restoration of the NH is the top priority. Several vehicles are buried under landslide debris.”

Efforts are underway to provide alternative road connectivity to Kashmir valley via Mughal Road and Sinthan Top Road, as restoration of Jammu-Srinagar NH could take time due to extensive damage, the CM said.

NHAI project director Parshutam Kumar told TOI, “It will take five to six days to clear the NH.”

Omar said that the state govt will plan a relief package . “This is not a national disaster. The district administration has been directed to assess the damage and submit a detailed report. Immediate relief will be provided.”

“Teams of the NDRF, SDRF, army, police, and other agencies are working to restore essential services, including water and electricity,” he said.

Recalling past incidents where rumours about fuel shortages during natural disasters led to a rush at petrol pumps, Kashmir divisional commissioner, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, urged people not to panic. He said, “There is adequate stock of essential commodities, including LPG, diesel, and petrol, available across the valley.”

A Defence spokesperson said, “Eight Army columns are currently on standby at key locations to assist further, if required.”