Srinagar, Jan 25: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday said power restoration across Jammu and Kashmir has progressed significantly following recent snowfall, with electricity supply revived up to 1,500 megawatts against a peak demand of around 1,700 megawatts.
Speaking to reporters in Gulmarg, the Chief Minister said snowfall had damaged parts of the power distribution network, particularly in remote areas, but repair work was underway.
He said while restoration in far-flung regions may take more time due to the severity of snowfall, the overall situation has improved considerably.
Omar said he visited Gulmarg to personally review the post-snowfall situation and expressed satisfaction over the response of various departments involved in restoration and relief measures.
Commenting on the controversy surrounding the civil judge preliminary examination results, the Chief Minister cautioned against politicising the issue along regional or religious lines. He said if any irregularities are suspected, concrete evidence should be produced.
“If there is any wrongdoing, bring proof and I will ensure it is investigated,” he said, adding that better performance by candidates from one region on merit should not be turned into a political controversy.
He said such thinking had earlier led to damaging decisions, including the closure of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME), and stressed that this approach must stop.
Responding to remarks by BJP leader Tarun Chugh linking the demand for Jammu statehood to the National Conference, Omar said his party has consistently opposed the division of Jammu and Kashmir.
He said the National Conference was against the separation of Ladakh from Jammu and Kashmir and remains opposed to any demand for a separate Jammu state.
Omar alleged that several BJP leaders and their associates had themselves raised such issues in the past. He added that it would be a positive development if the BJP does not support the demand for Jammu’s separation.
On the broader impact of snowfall, the Chief Minister said the recent precipitation has come as a major relief for the region. He said timely snowfall during Chillai-Kalan has helped avert a possible drought-like situation and will contribute to replenishing the water table ahead of summer.
Omar said the snowfall has also begun drawing tourists to Kashmir, as many visitors had been waiting for snow. He added that the revival of winter tourism would benefit the local economy, especially in resort towns like Gulmarg.
Omar also reviewed issues related to winter sports infrastructure in Gulmarg, particularly the operationalisation of the ski drag lift. He said he had expected the lift to be functional by now but directed officials to resolve the pending issues and make it operational before his return.
Large parts of Kashmir, including Srinagar, received fresh snowfall on Thursday, disrupting traffic on the Jammu–Srinagar national highway and affecting normal movement in several areas.
Shafat Malik
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