Div Com Kashmir Directs Departments to Ensure Operational Readiness and Snow Clearance
SRINAGAR: In light of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast predicting rain and snowfall from October 5 to 7, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, convened an urgent meeting with officials from key departments to review preparedness and mitigation plans.
The meeting was attended by HoDs and representatives from R&B, MED, BEACON, NHIDCL, Urban Local Bodies, IMD, and the Horticulture & Marketing Planning Department.
During the meeting, the Divisional Commissioner instructed all concerned departments to ensure the immediate deployment of personnel and machinery at critical locations to enable swift snow clearance. He emphasized the importance of completing the tendering process for the winter snow clearance plan by October 31 and directed that trained and experienced machinery operators be deployed to prevent damage to road infrastructure.
He recommended the use of High Molecular Weight Polyethylene plastic in snow plows to enhance efficiency and minimize wear on roads. The Div Com also highlighted the need for timely restoration of road connectivity to remote and border areas, including the Mughal Road, a vital winter link.
The Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA) department was instructed to ensure advance stocking of ration, LPG, and petroleum products in remote border areas. He also emphasized the early distribution of October’s ration and the maintenance of a 15-day buffer stock of LPG in the Kashmir Valley to prevent shortages.
To facilitate the movement of goods, the Div Com recommended optimal use of the Mughal Road for transporting LPG and dispatching apple produce. The Director of Horticulture Marketing & Planning was advised to encourage fruit growers and traders to utilize railway services for apple transportation, ensuring faster and more economical delivery.
Finally, to ensure a coordinated and timely response to any weather-related emergency, the Divisional Commissioner directed the immediate operationalization of the Divisional Control Room, ensuring better coordination and synergy among all field departments.
