Srinagar, Oct 24: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday promised to provide adequate facilities for the Darbar Move staff.
Chairing a high-level meeting to review the arrangements for the upcoming Darbar Move Session 2025-26, CM Omar emphasised ensuring smooth, secure, and well-coordinated shifting of offices from the summer capital Srinagar to the winter capital Jammu.
He directed the Managing Director of JKRTC and the Traffic Department to arrange additional buses and arrange down convoys on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway for two consecutive days – November 1 and 2 – to ensure safe and efficient movement of employees and equipment.
The CM emphasised meticulous coordination between departments for hassle-free transportation during the move.
Reviewing the security and traffic management plan along the highway and residential accommodation for Darbar Move employees, he impressed upon the Police Department and other concerned agencies to ensure comprehensive security measures, especially in all residential areas where employees would be located.
During the meeting, CM Omar was also informed that medical assistance would remain available along the movement route, with 19 doctors, 40 paramedics, and 10 ambulances each deployed in both Kashmir and Jammu divisions, besides seven ambulances kept on standby mode.
The CM directed the formation of a committee headed by ACS Estates, with members from GAD, ARI and Training, and Housing and Urban Development Department, to resolve accommodation-related issues and ensure readiness of residential quarters.
He also instructed the Estates Department to establish a control room in Jammu to address any office accommodation concerns during the move period.
CM Omar instructed the Estates Department to establish a dedicated control room for addressing accommodation and logistical issues, while the General Administration Department (GAD) was asked to set up the Winter Secretariat at Srinagar with minimal staff presence.
He directed the issuance of monthly rosters for ministers and administrative secretaries to be stationed at the Winter Secretariat in Srinagar, beginning with the November roster.
The CM said that the Darbar Move, being a unique administrative tradition, demands flawless coordination, security, preparedness, and public ease.
He directed all departments to work in synergy to ensure that the 2025-26 session begins seamlessly in Jammu.
CM Omar directed the Divisional Commissioner Jammu to examine traffic management within Jammu city and around major residential areas, and to identify locations along the convoy route for food and public convenience facilities, including washrooms, to cater to employees and officials during the move.
The meeting also reviewed arrangements for essential services, food, hospitality, and other key facilities.
Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) Estates Shaleen Kabra, ACS to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, ACS Power Development Department Shailendra Kumar, Director General Fire and Emergency Services, several Administrative Secretaries, Inspector General of Police Kashmir, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Divisional Commissioner Jammu, and other senior officers and Heads of Departments connected with Darbar Move also attended the meeting.
Earlier, Commissioner Secretary, General Administration Department (GAD) M Raju made a detailed presentation on the transport arrangements and logistical aspects of the Darbar Move convoy.
