Kashmir Experiences Frigid Temperatures of Minus 8; CM Omar Abdullah Returns
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Srinagar, Dec 22 (NationPress) As an unprecedented cold enveloped the Kashmir Valley, leading to significant hardships for residents, J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday decided to cancel all his external engagements and remain present in the Valley.
In a message on X, he stated, “Due to the severe cold wave in the Kashmir Valley and the resulting challenges with water and electricity supply, I have decided to cancel my upcoming programs in Jammu and remain in Srinagar for the next week to personally oversee the operations of the Power department and other essential departments.”
CM Omar Abdullah emphasized that he will personally supervise the workings of the power and other significant departments.
He acknowledged that canceling his engagements in Jammu may inconvenience organizers and expressed his regret over the situation.
“I understand that canceling my engagements in Jammu will cause some disruption to the organizers, and I apologize for that. However, given the current circumstances, this is the most appropriate course of action, and I will find a way to compensate the people and organizations affected,” he noted on X.
He further mentioned that he is en route from Jaisalmer and will arrive back in Srinagar by Wednesday morning.
As the 40-day period of extreme winter, locally known as ‘Chillai Kalan’, commenced on Saturday, temperatures plummeted to minus 8.5 degrees Celsius in the city of Srinagar after a 24-hour period.
Many water pipes and pump systems have either burst or completely frozen, making it a daunting task for residents in Srinagar and other towns of the Valley to manage their water supply.
The difficulties faced by locals are exacerbated by electric power shortages. Engineers from the power development department reported a peak hour deficit of 600 megawatts between demand and supply.
This situation is managed through unscheduled power cuts, even in metered areas where the government typically guarantees 24X7 power supply.
The Meteorological (MeT) department has predicted cold, dry weather lasting until the evening of December 28 and noted that night temperatures might improve due to potential cloud cover.
