Chief Minister Omar Abdullah recently opted for an unexpected road trip from Srinagar to Jammu, marking his first visit to the winter capital’s Civil Secretariat since taking office on October 16. This unplanned journey came after flight cancellations due to poor visibility, forcing the Chief Minister and his team to take the road route.

Unexpected Journey Due to Flight Cancellations

On Sunday, adverse weather conditions led to the cancellation of eleven flights to and from Jammu, with another flight called off due to technical issues. The decision to travel by road was made at the last minute when the Chief Minister realized the visibility at the airport would not improve anytime soon.

Sharing his experience, Abdullah posted on X (formerly Twitter):

“Poor visibility in Jammu meant a sudden, last-minute road trip. Nothing flew in to or out from Jammu yesterday, so I had to saddle up and take the road to the winter capital.”

Capturing the Journey: Videos Shared by Omar Abdullah

Omar Abdullah shared glimpses of his journey through three videos, showcasing the convoy’s movement from Srinagar to Jammu. These visuals provided a peek into the picturesque yet challenging terrain, reflecting the spirit of adaptability required to lead a state with such diverse landscapes and weather conditions.

Flight Operations Resume Amid Uncertain Weather

Airport officials noted that while flights were suspended on Sunday, operations resumed https://x.com/OmarAbdullahon Monday morning. Despite this, the visibility in Jammu remained a concern. The Chief Minister shared a post from his balcony, observing the weather:

“Looking at the visibility from the balcony of the official residence, I don’t think flights will be operating any time soon today either. You can barely see the sun in the haze.”

A Warm Reception at the Civil Secretariat

Upon his arrival at the Civil Secretariat in Jammu at 10 AM, Omar Abdullah was greeted warmly by the employees. This visit marked the commencement of his official duties in Jammu, coinciding with the traditional winter move of the Jammu and Kashmir administration.

The Annual Darbar Move: A Tradition Resumed

The Darbar Move is a bi-annual tradition in Jammu and Kashmir where the administrative base shifts from Srinagar to Jammu in winter and vice versa in summer. This practice was halted during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 but has since resumed, albeit with modifications.

According to an order by the General Administration Department dated October 23, only top officials, including administrative secretaries and heads of departments, will shift to Jammu this year. The Civil Secretariat in Srinagar will continue to function as usual, ensuring seamless governance across both regions.

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Omar Abdullah’s Leadership Amid Changing Times

Omar Abdullah, who previously served as the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir from 2009 to 2014, is now the first leader to head the Union Territory after its reorganization. His return to the Civil Secretariat in Jammu underscores his commitment to upholding the long-standing traditions of the region while navigating the challenges of its new administrative setup.

This recent road trip highlighted not only the unpredictability of weather in the region but also Abdullah’s hands-on approach as he resumed work from the winter capital. His decision to travel by road, rather than wait for flights to resume, exemplifies his dedication to his responsibilities as Chief Minister.

Omar Abdullah’s road journey from Srinagar to Jammu serves as a testament to the resilience required to lead Jammu and Kashmir. The challenging weather, coupled with the logistics of the Darbar Move, showcases the unique governance model of the region. As the Chief Minister continues his work from the winter capital, his adaptability and readiness to tackle unexpected challenges remain evident.

The annual shift of the administrative base, despite interruptions in the past, reflects a tradition deeply ingrained in the governance of Jammu and Kashmir. Under Abdullah’s leadership, this practice not only continues but adapts to the changing needs of the Union Territory, ensuring a stable and functional administration throughout the year.