Omar Abdullah canceled Jammu meetings due to severe cold wave in Kashmir Valley

People burst crackers near Dal Lake to mark the beginning of the 40 coldest days of the winter season locally known as ‘Chillai Kalan’ in Srinagar on December 22, 2024. Photo credit: Imran Nisar

The Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister on Sunday (December 22, 2024) canceled all scheduled meetings in the winter capital of Jammu due to severe cold wave and increasing power crisis in the Kashmir Valley.

After attending the national-level meeting of the 55th GST Council in Rajasthan on Saturday, Mr Abdullah announced on Sunday that he would stay in Srinagar for the next week to “personally supervise the working of the electricity department and other critical services”.

“In light of severe cold spell in Kashmir Valley and difficulties due to water and power supply, I have decided to cancel my upcoming programs in Jammu and personally monitor the work of Power Department and other important departments in Srinagar for the next week,” Mr. Abdullah said. X said in a post.

Currently, the Kashmir Valley is in the grip of one of the coldest winters in recent years, as temperatures have plunged to record-breaking lows in many places. Srinagar recorded minus 8.5 degrees Celsius on Saturday, the coldest December night in more than 50 years. On Sunday night, Srinagar recorded a minimum of minus 4.6 degrees Celsius. All the weather stations in north and south Kashmir have registered zero temperature in the valley.

Extreme cold has blocked water supply and electricity. “In the circumstances, it is the right thing to do and I will make it up to the individuals/organizations whose programs are affected,” he added.

The government has been increasingly criticized for its poor handling of the power and water crisis in Kashmir. ‘The administration has failed to mobilize resources to reduce the struggle of the people. Lack of electricity and water, coupled with skyrocketing prices, has pushed life to the brink, especially in remote areas like Khag, Khansahib and Dudhpathri,” said Hakeem Yasin, a former MLA from central Kashmir.