Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, today chaired a high-level meeting to review the stock position of essential commodities and petroleum products across the Union Territory in view of the upcoming Eid al-Fitr and Navratri festivals as well as the prevailing geopolitical situation in West Asia.

The meeting was attended by Ministers Sakina Itoo and Satish Sharma, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, senior administrative officials, Deputy Commissioners of all districts, and representatives of oil companies including Ashutosh Gupta, Executive Director of Indian Oil Corporation Limited. Officials from outside stations participated through virtual mode.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister reviewed the availability and supply of petroleum products, Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and other essential commodities across Jammu and Kashmir.

Addressing the officers, Omar Abdullah stressed that the administration must remain vigilant to ensure there is no artificial scarcity, hoarding or black marketing in any district. He said that while the Food and Supplies Department is performing its duties, the district administration must complement these efforts by maintaining close monitoring at the local level.

The Chief Minister directed all Deputy Commissioners to maintain strict oversight to ensure smooth supply and fair distribution of essential commodities. He emphasized that preventing hoarding and black marketing requires strong monitoring at the district level and urged officials to take the instructions seriously.

Highlighting the uncertain nature of the current international situation, Omar said the administration must stay alert for an extended period if necessary. He noted that the situation could last for days or weeks and therefore the administration should remain prepared to prevent any disruption in the supply of essential items.

The Chief Minister also directed the Information Department to regularly update the public about the stock position and availability of essential commodities to prevent rumours and panic buying. He said transparent communication would reassure people about adequate supplies and discourage those attempting to exploit the situation.

Omar Abdullah further instructed officials to closely monitor the availability of commercial LPG, especially in view of the ongoing Navratras, the upcoming Eid celebrations and the beginning of the tourist season. He asked the administration to consult stakeholders such as restaurant owners and hoteliers before making any adjustments to commercial LPG supply in view of the expected rise in tourist arrivals and festival-related demand.

Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo emphasised that Deputy Commissioners must ensure strict action against any instances of hoarding, black marketing or profiteering in their respective districts. He directed them to extend full support to the Legal Metrology Department and the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department to ensure effective enforcement.

Commissioner Secretary Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Saurabh Bhagat presented a detailed report on the stock and supply position of petroleum products and LPG in Jammu and Kashmir.

According to the presentation, despite global disruptions, the stock position of petrol, diesel and LPG in the Union Territory remains stable. Adequate reserves of these commodities are available at storage facilities and distribution points across the region.

The meeting was also informed that several regulatory measures have been implemented to ensure continuous availability and prevent misuse. The Delivery Authentication Code (DAC) system has been introduced to ensure LPG cylinders are delivered only to genuine consumers. Oil marketing companies have also launched an e-KYC verification campaign to identify inactive or duplicate LPG connections.

Regarding non-domestic LPG supplies, officials said a temporary cap of 20 percent of the average monthly consumption has been imposed while ensuring uninterrupted supply to essential institutions such as hospitals and educational establishments.

The meeting further noted that the Government of India has provided an ad-hoc allocation of 468 kilolitres of PDS Superior Kerosene Oil (SKO) for cooking and lighting purposes, mainly targeting vulnerable groups including beneficiaries of the Antyodaya Anna Yojana.

 Many parts of Jammu and Kashmir were lashed by rain while higher reaches experienced fresh snowfall, leading to a sharp drop in temperatures across the region. The Meteorological Department has forecast continued wet weather for the next one week.

Security forces including the Indian Army, Border Roads Organisation (BRO/GREF) and Jammu and Kashmir Police rescued around 160 people who were stranded in nearly 70 vehicles at Sinthan Top in Kishtwar district and Peer Ki Gali along Mughal Road following heavy snowfall. Officials said several vehicles were also rescued from Chhattergalla between Sarthal in Bani and Guldanda in Bhaderwah.

Higher reaches of Kashmir including Affarwat, Zojila Pass, Peer Ki Gali and Doodhpathri received fresh snowfall while most plains of the Valley were lashed by rain since morning.

The snowfall and rain brought down maximum temperatures across the region. Srinagar recorded 11.5°C, Qazigund 11.4°C, Pahalgam 9.4°C, Kupwara 11.6°C and Kokernag 11.6°C, which were several degrees below the normal for this time of the year. Tourist resort Gulmarg recorded a maximum of 5.2°C.

In the Jammu region, Bhaderwah recorded a minimum temperature of 6.5°C, Banihal 6.1°C, Batote 11°C and Katra 15.8°C, while winter capital Jammu recorded 17.1°C on Sunday. The day temperature in Jammu dropped to 19.4°C, nearly 10 degrees lower than last week when temperatures had crossed 30°C.

According to the India Meteorological Department in Srinagar, unstable weather conditions are expected to continue till March 20 with intermittent rain and snowfall in several areas. Director MeT Mukhtar Ahmad said light to moderate rain and snowfall over higher reaches is expected at many places on March 15–16, followed by partly cloudy weather with isolated spells on March 17. Cloudy conditions with intermittent precipitation are likely again between March 18 and 20.

Meanwhile, authorities closed Mughal Road for all types of vehicular movement after fresh snowfall at Peer Ki Gali. Officials said around 20 vehicles were trapped there, and nearly 50 people were rescued by rescue teams.

In Kishtwar district, about 110 people trapped in nearly 50 light motor vehicles were rescued at Sinthan Top where snowfall accumulation reached nearly two feet. The rescue operation was monitored by district authorities till late evening.

Traffic on the Srinagar–Ladakh Highway was also suspended after fresh snowfall at Zojila Pass. The highway had briefly reopened earlier in the day after remaining closed for six consecutive days due to heavy snow accumulation. Around 300 vehicles, including passenger vehicles and carriers transporting vegetables, had been allowed to move from Sonamarg towards Kargil before traffic was halted again as a precaution.

Snowfall also blanketed the hills of Doodhpathri in Budgam district, while rain was reported from several areas of the Jammu region including Samba, Kathua, Udhampur, Ramban and Reasi. Traffic on the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway remained smooth despite light rainfall.

Fresh snowfall in Bhaderwah valley has also boosted hopes for tourism and agriculture in the region after a prolonged dry spell. Snowfall was reported in higher tourist destinations including Guldanda, Chattergalla, Padri, Subar Dhar, Kailash Kund and nearby areas.

Locals said the fresh precipitation has reduced the rainfall deficit and brought relief to farmers and fruit growers who were worried about the impact of the dry winter on crops. The snow-covered landscapes have also started attracting tourists, leading to increased inquiries and higher hotel occupancy in the region.

Union Minister Ramdas Athawale on Sunday appealed to Naxalites to abandon violence and join the democratic mainstream, while strongly condemning the recent attack on Farooq Abdullah, president of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference.

Describing the incident as unfortunate and unacceptable in a democracy, Athawale said the Centre stands firmly with the people of Jammu and Kashmir, which he said has witnessed considerable progress since the abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution of India in 2019. He also reiterated that statehood for the Union Territory could be restored in the near future.

“The attack on Abdullah is unfortunate and condemnable. He has always supported strong relations between Jammu and Kashmir and the rest of India. There may be ideological differences, but we must respect democratic values. No one has the right to take someone’s life,” Athawale told reporters.

Appeal to Naxalites

Referring to the government’s efforts to curb extremism, Athawale urged Naxalites to renounce violence and follow the democratic path advocated by B. R. Ambedkar.

“Killing someone does not solve problems. If you fight for justice by killing people, you destroy yourself and others. The solution is to come into the democratic system, contest elections and raise your voice in Parliament and the assemblies,” he said.

He added that the government supports the demands for justice for the poor, tribals and people living in remote regions but stressed that violence cannot be the solution.

Security and Development in J&K

Athawale said Amit Shah, Union Home Minister, had spoken with Farooq Abdullah and directed authorities to strengthen his security arrangements.

Highlighting development initiatives, the minister said the government led by Narendra Modi has focused on infrastructure, connectivity and economic growth in Jammu and Kashmir as well as in northeastern states.

He cited expansion of national highways under Nitin Gadkari, rapid progress in railway projects and extension of rail connectivity toward Kashmir, including the construction of major tunnels.

On Economy and Trade

Athawale also defended the government’s economic policies and criticised the Indian National Congress for opposing the India–US trade agreement.

He said the agreement with the United States would boost employment, strengthen micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and support economic growth. He also rejected criticism by opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, accusing them of spreading misinformation.

Fuel Supply and West Asia Conflict

Commenting on the ongoing conflict in West Asia, Athawale said India is monitoring the situation closely but currently has sufficient reserves of petrol, diesel and cooking gas.

He said Hardeep Singh Puri, Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, has informed Parliament that India has fuel stocks adequate for around two months.

Athawale also emphasised that India maintains strong diplomatic relations with countries including Iran, Israel and the United States, which helps maintain stability in supplies despite disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict.

More than two lakh blooming tulips are ready to attract tourists at picturesque Sanasar, nestled in the lush green meadows in Ramban district of Jammu and Kashmir.

The Tulip garden at Sanasar is, however, expected to be thrown open for the public soon marking the beginning of new tourist season.

“Jammu’s first Tulip Garden at Sanasar in district Ramban, has become a vibrant floral destination. With more than two lakh tulips in 25 distinct varieties, it is all set to attract visitors from across the country and it will further enhance the tourism potential of the region,” Mohammad Alyas Khan, Deputy Commissioner, Ramban here today said.

He said that hundreds of blooming tulip flowers on 35 kanals of land at a scenic location is absolutely mesmerising, adding, “this year 25 varieties of tulips are planted at Sanasar garden.”

“The Golf course is also being developed by the Patnitop Development Authority to start with golfing activities at Sanasar along with other additional development activities for overall upgradation of this scenic tourist spot,” said Khan.

“The activity calendar shall focus on promotion of all such destinations and special impetus shall be provided to publicizing Patnitop and Sanasar as ‘Wedding Destination’ and ‘Film Shooting Destination’ especially amongst interested clientele of these categories,” he added.

“As rush of tourists will gradually rise in the coming days, they will enjoy the scenic Tulip garden on their visit to Sanasar,” Vikrant Sharma, District Officer, Department of Floriculture here said.

He said that 25 varieties of more than two lakh Tulip flowers will be in full bloom and the garden will be thrown open soon for the public, adding he said, “Jammu and Kashmir is endowed with unparalleled beauty and natural landscapes which have huge potential for tourism.”

He appealed to people to visit in large numbers and have a glimpse of blooming tulip flowers.

Notably, in 2023, the project was sanctioned by the Government to develop the largest Tulip Garden of Jammu division that is spread over a large piece of land. (Agencies)