APRIL 21: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary visited the cloudburst-affected areas of Ramban district on Saturday, where he expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of three lives due to the natural calamity. Terming the incident as unfortunate, he conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and assured that the government stands firmly with them in this hour of grief.
During his visit, the Deputy Chief Minister interacted with local residents, took a comprehensive assessment of the damage, and reiterated the government’s commitment to providing all possible support to the affected families. He emphasized that necessary relief and rehabilitation measures will be ensured without delay.
Choudhary noted that the cloudburst, followed by continuous heavy rainfall, had triggered massive landslides, severely disrupting traffic movement along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. He stated that the landslides have led to a complete halt in vehicular movement, impacting connectivity in the region.
Acknowledging the importance of the Jammu-Srinagar highway as a critical lifeline for the Union Territory, the Deputy CM directed the concerned authorities and agencies to expedite restoration efforts. He urged them to work around the clock to clear debris and restore road connectivity at the earliest. He emphasized that prompt action is essential not only to resume normal transportation but also to ensure timely delivery of aid and emergency services to remote areas.
He also appealed to the public, especially commuters and tourists, to refrain from unnecessary travel during such adverse weather conditions. He advised citizens to stay informed through official government channels regarding weather forecasts and traffic advisories to ensure their safety.
The Deputy Chief Minister praised the swift response of the local administration and disaster management teams while also instructing them to remain vigilant and continue extending assistance to those in need. He assured the people of Ramban that the government is closely monitoring the situation and will leave no stone unturned in ensuring a speedy recovery for the affected areas.
The visit underscored the administration’s proactive approach in handling natural disasters and its commitment to standing beside the people during crises, with a focus on both immediate relief and long-term resilience.
