Restoration of J&K’s statehood crucial for resolving issues: CM Omar Abdullah

Manifesto not for 5 days or 5 months, it’s for 5 years

Have added 10 more people to PM Modi’s campaign against obesity

*Need to use water judiciously to mitigate crisis*

Sajid Raina

Srinagar, Feb 24 (KNO): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday reiterated that the restoration of statehood is crucial for addressing various challenges faced by the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Talking to reporters here, Omar, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said that his government remains committed to fulfilling its promises and urged patience from the public. “Manifesto is not for five days or five months, it’s for five years. We have not even presented our first budget yet. Please wait. We know what promises we have made to the people and how to fulfill them,” the Chief Minister said.

He asserted that while his administration is making full use of the Union Territory’s governance framework, certain issues can only be addressed after the restoration of statehood. “I repeatedly emphasize the need for statehood because I understand that there are many issues troubling the people. However, their resolution is not possible under Union Territory status; restoring statehood is essential for that.”

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also spoke about his participation in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s campaign against obesity, a growing health concern in India. “Obesity is considered a lifestyle illness that is on the rise. The Prime Minister initiated a campaign against it and included me to take it forward. I have added 10 more people to this campaign,” he said.

Expressing concern over an 80 percent precipitation deficit in Jammu and Kashmir, the Chief Minister urged people to use water judiciously to avoid a severe crisis in the summer months. “We are facing a difficult situation due to a rain deficit. I understand that people are worried as we are witnessing a drought-like situation,” he said.

The Chief Minister warned that a lack of snowfall and rainfall would severely impact water availability for both household and agricultural needs. “In many areas of Jammu and Kashmir, 70-80% of the annual precipitation is crucial for agriculture. The absence of adequate snowfall or rain will lead to water scarcity during the summer months,” he said.

To mitigate the crisis, the Chief Minister called for proactive measures such as rainwater harvesting, snow conservation, and improved irrigation infrastructure for farmers. “We need to prepare for the coming summer months. We must implement rainwater harvesting, save snow, and arrange irrigation facilities for farmers,” he urged.

On the upcoming Budget session the Chief Minister refrained from divulging details. “I will not talk about the Budget as it is the government’s duty to present it first in the Assembly. All the aspects of the Budget will be clear when it is presented on March 7,” he said—(KNO)

Weather can affect the opening of Schools in Kashmir

As Govt decided to reopen the Schools in Kashmir from 01 March after the winter break but the weather will not favourable for this as Jammu and Kashmir may receive a major rain and snow on 26,27 , and 28 Feb or may extend to 1st March.

As per current indications heavy rain and snow may delay the opening of Schools in Kashmir. Heavy to very heavy snowfall expected over higher reaches and heavy rain along with snowfall is expected over plains of Kashmir from 26 to 28 Feb.

Regards: Kashmir Weather Forecast

Traffic Advisory for Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) and Other Key Routes

The Traffic Police Headquarters, Jammu & Kashmir, has issued an important advisory regarding the movement of vehicles on NH-44 and other key roads in the region for February 25, 2025. Travelers and transporters are urged to take note of the following updates and adhere to the guidelines to ensure safe and smooth travel.

Traffic Movement on NH-44 (Jammu-Srinagar Highway)

From February 23, 2025 (1700 hrs) to February 24, 2025 (1700 hrs), slow movement was observed on NH-44 due to single-lane traffic at Dalwas, Mehad, and between Marog and Kishtwari Pather. The ongoing four-lane construction work has also contributed to delays.

Advisory for Passengers and Goods Carriers

• Daytime Travel Recommended: LMV passengers and operators are advised to travel during daylight hours, as shooting stones pose a risk between Ramban and Banihal.
• Goods Carriers: HMVs and LMVs carrying perishable items and livestock must adhere to advisories issued by the Traffic Police Headquarters.
• Overloading and Vehicle Fitness: HMVs must avoid overloading and ensure their vehicles are fit for travel with adequate fuel before commencing their journey.
• Dhar Road Restriction: Only HMVs with six and ten tyres are permitted to use Dhar Road.
• Avoid Unnecessary Haltage: Commuters should refrain from stopping unnecessarily between Ramban and Banihal, especially near landslide-prone areas.

Traffic Plan & Advisory for February 25, 2025

• Subject to fair weather and road conditions, LMVs, Passenger Vehicles, and HMVs will be allowed to travel from both Jammu to Srinagar and vice versa.
• The Traffic Control Units (TCU) of Jammu and Srinagar will coordinate with TCU Ramban for real-time road condition updates.
• Travelers are encouraged to check the J&K Traffic Police’s Twitter handle and Facebook page for the latest NH-44 status updates.

Security Forces (SFs) Convoy Movement

If weather and road conditions permit, security force convoys will be allowed to move in both directions along NH-44.

Other Key Road Updates

Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag Road (NH-244)

• The route remains closed for vehicular movement as per the advisory issued by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Kokernag.

Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumari (SSG) Road

• Subject to favorable weather conditions and clearance from maintenance agencies, one-way traffic will be allowed for LMVs first, followed by HMVs (up to six tyres) from Kargil towards Srinagar.
• These vehicles can move from Minamarg to Srinagar between 1000 hrs and 1500 hrs. No movement will be permitted after the cutoff time.
• Motorists are advised to carry anti-skid chains to enhance traction on slippery roads.

Mughal Road & Bhaderwah-Chamba Road

• Mughal Road remains closed due to snow accumulation as per the order issued by the District Magistrate of Poonch.
• Bhaderwah-Chamba Road is also closed due to snow accumulation.

Emergency Contact Information

Travelers must verify road conditions before embarking on their journey. For real-time updates, they can contact the following helplines:

• Jammu: 0191-2459048, 0191-2740550, 9419147732, 103
• Srinagar: 0194-2450022, 2485396, 18001807091, 103
• Ramban: 9419993745, 1800-180-7043
• Udhampur: 8491928625
• PCR Kishtwar: 9906154100
• PCR Kargil: 9541902330, 9541902331

Conclusion

The Traffic Police Headquarters urges all commuters to follow the advisory, avoid unnecessary travel in risky areas, and stay informed through official channels. Safe travel practices and adherence to traffic guidelines will ensure a hassle-free journey on Jammu-Srinagar NHW and other routes in Jammu & Kashmir.