Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference General Secretary, Ali Muhammad Sagar, on Tuesday impressed upon the Divisional administration of Kashmir to prepare for the winter season.
Sagar said that during the previous winter season, the entire administrative machinery was caught napping; due to which the people had to suffer many hardships, particularly after the snowfall. “I hope the divisional administration will gear itself for the coming harsh spell of winter months by taking all preemptive measures to ensure that the people, particularly living in far-flung areas don’t have to suffer on account of storage of medicines, LPG, kerosene oil and ration,” he said.
Sagar further impressed upon having a well-coordinated response to deal with the weather vagaries and resultant exigencies. “A review of the men and machinery should be undertaken forthwith so that any shortfalls are plugged. In previous winter spells, the people had to undergo predicament due to clogging of roads, erratic electric supply and inundation. I hope the administration will not repeat the lackluster approach of yesteryears,” he added.
He also sought rationing of ample stocks of rice, sugar, kerosene oil, LPG and other necessary condiments in Gurez, Tulail, Dawar, Machil, Keran, Padar, and Kargil. He also called for having helicopter services available to the far-flung areas during the forth-coming harsh winter season. Sagar further called for giving fire-wood quota to mosques at subsidized rates.
Sagar asked the administration to set specific timelines for replacement of transformers in urban, rural, and far-flung/remote areas of Kashmir, Doda, and Kishtwar. “Having transfer banks would go a long way in easing the predicaments of people. It usually takes much time to fix transformers. By having an immediate replacement mechanism in place, the hamlets and towns wouldn’t have to reel under darkness until the transformers are fixed,” he added.
He further called on the respective municipalities and town area councils/committees to gear up their men and machinery to deal with the resultant slush which follows heavy snowfall. “Concerned agencies should employ labourers on need basis to give a flip to its staff strength to deal with the post snowfall emergencies in cities and towns. Having an ample number of men and machinery will help clear the roads for commuting within hours,” he added.
He also impressed upon the concerned authorities to carry out necessary pruning of the trees in cities and towns to avoid any untoward incident during the heavy precipitation.
