In response to the adverse weather predictions, the Kashmir administration has elevated the readiness of all governmental departments and operationalized 24-hour emergency control hubs across the valley. Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) Kashmir, Anshul Garg, confirmed that the entire administrative machinery has been fully deployed to ensure a prompt and effective response to any emergent crisis.
While addressing the media in Kulgam, Garg stated that district authorities, disaster management teams, police forces, and essential service departments have been explicitly directed to uphold seamless inter-agency coordination and remain fully equipped to tackle any weather-related eventualities. “We have instructed all departments to maintain a high state of alert and preparedness. The 24×7 control rooms have been activated valley-wide to track the evolving situation and facilitate rapid intervention wherever necessary,” he remarked.
The Divisional Commissioner also noted that field officers have been ordered to maintain rigorous surveillance over vulnerable sectors and execute timely preventative actions to curtail any potential loss of life or damage to property.
Addressing the ongoing Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, which has been halted for the past three consecutive days due to relentless downpours, mudslides, and the elevated threat of flash floods, Garg clarified that all decisions concerning the movement of pilgrims and the conduct of the annual pilgrimage will be made strictly in accordance with the India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) official weather bulletins. “The security and wellbeing of the pilgrims remain our absolute priority. Every step regarding the Yatra will hinge on real-time weather conditions and official IMD forecasts,” he emphasized.
The Div Com urged both locals and pilgrims to stay vigilant and strictly rely on verified government advisories for weather information. He appealed to the public to disregard unsubstantiated rumors, assuring that the administration is constantly tracking the dynamic weather pattern and will issue timely updates. Authorities have already recommended that people avoid non-essential travel, steer clear of rivers, streams, drains, and landslide-susceptible slopes, given the IMD’s prediction of additional rain and thundershowers across Jammu and Kashmir over the next two days.
In continuation of the July 19 alert, the District Magistrates of Srinagar and Budgam issued new weather advisories on Tuesday, urging residents to exercise extreme caution after the IMD forecast heavy to intense rainfall persisting until July 23. The Srinagar administration specifically warned inhabitants of high-altitude and slide-prone regions, including Lidwas, Dagwan, Mamnaith Top, Mulnar, Fakir Gujri, Harwan, Gandtal, Dara, and Astanmarg, to remain alert and move to safer locations immediately upon noticing rising water levels or land movement.
Furthermore, as a precautionary measure, tourists, visitors, and Shikara operators have been directed to halt all boating and recreational pursuits on Dal and Nigeen lakes during this alert period. Sand miners along the River Jhelum and other water bodies have also been prohibited from conducting mining or river-crossing operations until conditions are verified as safe. For emergency assistance, the District Emergency Operation Centre (DEOC), Srinagar, has activated dedicated WhatsApp helplines (9103998355, 9103998356, 9103998357), alongside the Police Control Room (PCR) at 0194-2477567.
Similarly, the Budgam district administration issued an advisory imploring residents to avoid approaching rivers, streams, and landslide-vulnerable areas due to swollen water flows and the ongoing inclement weather. Citizens in need of help can contact the Budgam district control room at 01951-295223, 9186008200, 9320647794, or 9469481342. Both administrations appealed to the public to remain cautious, follow official directives, and cooperate fully to ensure community safety.
Incessant rainfall triggered fresh landslides and mudslides on Tuesday, severely disrupting traffic along the strategic Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44). Officials reported that continuous showers in Udhampur and Ramban districts caused rockfalls and mudslides at several critical points, notably near Sharda Mata Mandir and Thara, impeding vehicle movement and endangering commuters. Road-clearing parties, supported by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), traffic police, and other agencies, were rapidly mobilized to clear the debris and restore traffic flow. Commuters have been advised to verify the latest traffic status before embarking on their journeys.
Separately, a similar landslide was reported in the Nograta Saldhar area of Rajouri district, where persistent rain brought mud and boulders onto local roads, temporarily snapping connectivity. Fortunately, no casualties were reported from either incident.
These disruptions occur amid a severe weather alert from the IMD, which forecasts very heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, potential flash floods, and further landslides across several districts of the Jammu region, including Jammu, Reasi, Udhampur, Poonch, Rajouri, Samba, Kathua, Doda, Kishtwar, and Ramban.
The ongoing wet spell has already inflicted widespread damage across various parts of Jammu and Kashmir over the past few days, with flash floods, cloudbursts, and landslides destroying houses, roads, bridges, agricultural lands, and other public infrastructure. Emergency response agencies remain on heightened alert, while restoration crews continue to monitor fragile locations to ensure the timely reopening of routes and the safety of all residents and travelers.
