Day: December 29, 2024

GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL

*MeT Also Warns Of ‘Cold Wave’ At Isolated Places On Jan 30, 31*

SRINAGAR DEC 29:-(GNS): Kashmir Valley is set to receive more snowfall on New Year as weatherman on Sunday said that two Western Disturbances (WD) in quick succession are likely to affect J&K and adjoining areas from January 1 onwards.

A meteorological department official here told GNS while generally dry weather is expected till the end of this year, a feeble western disturbance on January 1-2 is expected to hit J&K. “Generally cloudy (weather is expected) with light snow at scattered places during January 1st evening/night to 2nd morning”.

From January 3-6, he said, a moderate WD was likely to J&K and weather is expected to be generally cloudy with possibility of light to moderate snow at many places of Kashmir Division and scattered places of Jammu Division.

The weather office has also issued an advisory for cold wave at “isolated places” during December 30 and 31.

In view of snowfall and freezing temperature, the MeT official said icy conditions over roads were expected, both in plains and higher reaches. “Tourists/travellers/Transporters are advised to follow Admin/Traffic advisory,” he said.

During January 3-6, he said, chances of moderate to heavy spell of snow at isolated and higher reaches cannot be ruled out.

Meanwhile, the official told Global News Service that Srinagar recorded a low of minus 0.2°C against last night’s minus 1.0°C. Today’s minimum temperature was 2.4°C above normal, he said.

Qazigund, he said, recorded a low of minus 0.4°C against minus 0.6°C. Today’s minimum temperature was 2.3°C above normal for the gateway town of the Valley, he said.

Pahalgam, he said, recorded a low of minus 8.0°C against minus 2.8°C on the previous night and it was 5.2°C below normal for the famous tourist resort in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district.

Kokernag recorded a low of minus 1.8°C against minus 1.5°C on the previous night and it was 0.9°C above normal for the place.

Gulmarg, he said, recorded a low of minus 8.5°C against minus 5.0°C on the previous night. It was 2.6°C below normal for the world famous skiing resort in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, the official said.

In Kupwara town, the mercury settled at minus 1.0°C against minus 1.2°C on the previous night in the north Kashmir area, he said. The temperature was 2.0°C above normal, he said.

Jammu recorded a low of 6.1°C against 10.3°C on the previous night and it was 1.0°C below normal for J&K’s winter capital, he said.

Banihal recorded a low of 0.8°C (below normal by 1.1°C), Batote minus 2.0°C (below normal by 4.6°C), Katra 5.0°C (1.3°C below normal) and Bhadarwah minus 5.0°C (4.8°C below normal).

Kashmir is under the grip of Chillai-Kalan, the 40-day long harsh winter period that started on December 21. It does not mean an end to the winter either. It is followed by a 20-day-long period called ‘Chillai-Khurd’ that occurs between January 30 and February 19 and a 10-day-long period ‘Chillai-Bachha’ (baby cold) which is from February 20 to March 1. (GNS)

GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL

*Chairs another review meeting with MLAs, DCs to assess progress in restoration of essential services*

*MLAs across party lines appreciate CM-led administration’s swift response*

SRINAGAR, DEC 29:- In the aftermath of the recent heavy snowfall, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday chaired a comprehensive meeting with Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) and Deputy Commissioners (DCs) of the Kashmir Division via video conferencing.

The meeting was held at the Raabita Public Outreach Office to assess the ongoing restoration efforts and review the status of essential services, including snow clearance, power and water supply, health facilities and other critical services.

During the meeting, MLAs across the party lines appreciated the efforts of CM-led Administration in swift response to snowfall, acknowledging the commitment of Government in times of weather adversaries.

Minister Javaid Ahmad Dar attended the meeting as legislator.
Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, along with other senior officers, were present during the meeting.

At the outset, the Chief Minister sought feedback from MLAs across party lines regarding the restoration measures in their respective constituencies.

Discussions centered on snow clearance operations, the restoration of power and water supply and the provision of other essential services and supplies.
The Chief Minister also held one-on-one discussions with Deputy Commissioners of the Kashmir Valley and snow-affected districts of Jammu Division.

The DCs provided updates on the current situation and detailed the measures taken to restore normalcy, particularly in challenging weather conditions.

During the meeting, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah urged officers to remain sensitive and responsive to public grievances, directing them to identify gaps in service delivery and take immediate corrective actions.
He emphasized the need to minimize hardships faced by the common people and praised the dedication of the Divisional Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners and employees who have been working tirelessly in adverse climatic conditions.

Looking ahead, the Chief Minister called for enhanced preparedness in light of the snowfall forecast for the following week.

He instructed officials to improve action plans based on lessons learnt from recent weather events.

The Chief Minister emphasized the need to prioritize snow clearance on link roads, inner lanes, and bylanes to ensure accessibility for residents.
He directed the Jal Shakti Department (PHE) to address water supply issues promptly and enhance the deployment of water tankers in affected areas.

CM Omar Abdullah instructed Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) and concerned departments to implement measures to prevent waterlogging in low-lying areas.

Stressing the importance of smooth traffic movement on the National Highway, the Chief Minister called for enhanced coordination between the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Traffic Police, and District Administrations.

Chief Minister stressed the importance of continuous monitoring and synergy among various departments to avoid any inconvenience to the public.

Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, Divisional Commissioner Jammu and other senior civil administration officials also participated in the meeting virtually.