Dy CM assesses winter preparedness for snow clearance

Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary has emphasised for an effective and coordinated mechanism in place to ensure snow clearance within shortest possible time in prone areas of Jammu and Kashmir.

He chaired a high-level meeting to review the preparedness for snow clearance operations for winter season. The meeting discussed key roads and highways such as NH-44 (Banihal-Qazigund), Mughal Road, Bandipora-Gurez Road, and Patnitop routes as critical areas of focus requiring special focus. Ensuring uninterrupted supply chains for LPG, petroleum and essential commodities was identified as a priority area.

The meeting was attended by several MLAs besides Divisional Commissioners of Kashmir and Jammu, Deputy Commissioners of all districts, Chief Engineer’s and other senior officers from the Public Works (R&B) Department, Mechanical Engineering Division (MED), PMGSY, NHIDCL and BRO.

During the meeting, a detailed winter action plan was presented which envisaged smooth functioning of essential services and connectivity across the Union Territory, particularly in snow prone areas.

It was informed that as a matter of priority, MED will oversee the clearance of 10,223 km of roads with 6,728 km categorised as Priority-1, including highways, hospital routes and roads to critical infrastructure. Besides, PMGSY has finalised contracts for snow clearance on 4,042 km of rural roads with an additional four contracts under process, the meeting was apprised

It was also given out that 310 snow clearance machines have been mobilised by MED, with an increase from 254 machines last year. Besides, a total of 293 operational staff have been deployed, compared to 231 last year, to handle challenging conditions.

BRO, NHIDCL and PWD (R&B) highlighted the availability of snow cutters, dozers and graders to maintain road connectivity. Besides, SMC and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) presented their readiness to handle city roads with 422 machines including de-watering pumps and de-icing materials.

Choudhary emphasised the need for inter departmental coordination and directed all the Deputy Commissioners to monitor ground level operations through virtual meetings regularly.

The Divisional Commissioners presented PowerPoint summaries of their respective regions showcasing the available infrastructure, personnel and strategies to tackle heavy snowfall.

Choudhary commended the officials for their proactive approach and directed the departments to ensure prompt road clearance and adequate stockpiling of essential supplies such as de-icing salt, urea and fuel.

“It is our collective responsibility to ensure uninterrupted services and timely response to emergencies,” the Deputy Chief Minister maintained.