Srinagar, Jan 23 (KNO):
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday said that the recent snowfall across the Kashmir Valley, despite causing losses and disruptions, is essential for the region’s long-term water security and meeting summer water demands.
Talking to reporters, CM Omar, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said, "Strong winds have crippled the power system, reducing electricity supply to about 100 MW against the usual 1,700 MW. Our entire system is down due to strong winds. But gradually the department is fixing the electricity system and it is expected that supply will be restored as soon as possible."
The Chief Minister said that restoring essential services remained the government’s top priority.
He said priority roads were being cleared first, followed by secondary routes, and assured that all roads would be reconnected in phases. “The focus right now is on electricity, roads and water. The rest will be taken up later,” he said.
Abdullah said winter snowfall was vital for the Valley’s summer months, particularly the snow received during Chillai Kalan.
“The snow we receive in winter benefits us in summer. When it melts gradually, it helps sustain water resources,” he said, adding that sudden melting often causes problems.
The chief minister said the Valley had been waiting patiently for it this season.
He, however, noted uneven distribution, saying while most parts of Kashmir received snow, Srinagar saw very little. “It is strange weather. Even the airport received about four inches of snow, but some parts of Srinagar were deprived,” he said, expressing hope for snowfall in the city as well.
On tourism, Abdullah said delayed snowfall had caused some losses but stressed that the situation was similar across north India. “Uttarakhand, Himachal and other regions also faced snowfall delays,” he said, adding that fresh snowfall in places like Gulmarg, where he said over two feet of snow had fallen, would boost tourism.
“We hope more tourists will come and we will be able to offer ski courses,” he said.
The chief minister also said discussions on the budget with legislators would begin later in the day.
He said suggestions from stakeholders, including industry, horticulture, agriculture, tourism and higher education sectors, had already been received and would be considered—(KNO)