SRINAGAR: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary today chaired high-level meetings to review the preparedness of the Mechanical and Hospital Engineering (M&HE) Department for snow clearance operations and the functioning of the Handicrafts and Handloom (H&H) Department post-merger.
Snow Clearance Preparedness:
In order to ensure smooth and uninterrupted delivery of essential services and functioning of vital installations across the Kashmir division, the Deputy CM reviewed the overall functioning and preparedness of the M&HE Department. He held detailed deliberations on the challenges posed by harsh winter conditions, particularly in the snowbound zones of the Kashmir Valley and the high regions of the Jammu division.
While assessing preparedness for anticipated heavy snowfall, the Deputy CM directed the department to deploy high-tech machinery, emphasizing prompt response in snow-affected regions to maintain seamless mobility and public safety. He instructed enhanced coordination between departments and issued timely public advisories to ensure citizens’ safety, including advising against unnecessary travel to higher elevations during heavy snowfall.
Choudhary also directed safeguarding infrastructure and ensuring essential services like power, water, and road connectivity remain functional. He stressed the need for a robust mechanism to minimize public inconvenience during severe weather and instructed officials to focus on clearing key routes, including inter-district highways and roads leading to hospitals, power grids, water supply systems, and emergency services.
Handicrafts and Handloom Department Review:
In a separate high-level meeting, the Deputy CM reviewed the performance and functioning of the Handicrafts and Handloom (H&H) Department post-merger. The meeting was attended by Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, MLAs Ali Mohammad Dar, Dr. Mohammad Shafi Wani, Tanveer Sadiq, Riyaz Bedar, Commissioner Secretary Industries & Commerce Vikramjit Singh, and other senior officers.
During the meeting, the Deputy CM was briefed on flagship schemes and policies benefiting the handicrafts and handloom sector pursuant to the New Wool, Handicrafts, and Handloom Policy 2020. He directed the department to present consolidated data comparing pre-merger and post-merger years in the next follow-up meeting to frame a comprehensive roadmap for both sectors.
Choudhary also advised the department to present a blueprint for promoting the craft sector and reiterated the government’s commitment to the welfare of artisans and weavers. He emphasized that the Handicrafts and Handloom departments should serve the larger interests of stakeholders and undertake fresh consultations to equally promote both sectors.
Earlier, the Deputy CM heard representatives from the handicrafts and handloom sector to obtain first-hand feedback and assured that their concerns would be addressed. MLAs present also shared suggestions to promote art and craft and ensure ease in livelihood earning for artisans.
