SRINAGAR: Jammu’s Divisional Commissioner, Ramesh Kumar, visited the landslide-affected stretch of the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) at Thard on Thursday to review ongoing restoration efforts and expedite repairs.
Accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Udhampur, Saloni Rai, along with officials from the district administration, police, and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Kumar inspected the damaged highway section and instructed agencies to deploy additional manpower and machinery to accelerate the restoration work.
He reviewed clearance operations being conducted on a war-footing basis and emphasised the urgent need for speedy debris removal to restore vehicular traffic. Kumar also prioritised the repair of other critical roads, including Kanithgali-Moungari, Ramnagar-Basantgarh, and Chenani Sudhmahadev.
The Divisional Commissioner directed officials to work in double shifts to ensure that NH-44 is reopened at the earliest possible time. He also reviewed the status of essential services, including drinking water, power supply, and ration availability in the affected district.
Kumar called for the full restoration of essential services and mandated alternate temporary arrangements to provide immediate relief until normalcy returns. He further instructed the district administration to supply essential commodities and set up temporary shelters for flood-affected families while planning their rehabilitation.
Highlighting the strategic significance of NH-44, Kumar noted that the Udhampur stretch has suffered unprecedented damage. Although briefly restored and reopened on 29th and 30th August, the highway sustained fresh damage, prompting urgent repair efforts.
He stressed that all efforts must be made to restore this vital lifeline connecting Jammu with Doda, Kishtwar, and Srinagar, with restoration expected by Friday evening. Kumar reaffirmed the commitment to restoring critical roads and delivering necessary relief to the affected communities.
