BUDGAM: Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Choudhary, today conducted an extensive tour of Budgam district to assess the post-snowfall situation, including snow clearance operations, restoration of essential services and healthcare facilities.
During the tour, the Deputy Chief Minister reviewed the snow clearance arrangements at the office of the Superintending Engineer, PWD Budgam. He directed the concerned authorities for prompt deployment of men and machinery in the affected areas.
He stressed the strict rationalisation of snow clearance equipment to ensure the timely reopening of roads and restoration of connectivity. He emphasised that all available machinery must be pressed into service to clear main roads as well as interior links to facilitate hassle-free movement of the general public.
The Deputy Chief Minister also reviewed snow clearance operations across Khansahab, Beerwah, Chadoora, Charar-i-Sharief and Budgam areas.
Later, he inspected the Aga Syed Yousuf Memorial District Hospital, Budgam and enquired about the availability of healthcare facilities and essential medicines for patients.
He also reviewed restoration of essential services, including water and electricity supply. He directed the concerned departments to restore all affected services on a war footing.
“All essential services and road connectivity must be restored at the earliest to ensure seamless facilities for the people of Budgam,” said the Deputy Chief Minister.
He also inspected the recently damaged bridge at Chadoora and directed the concerned authorities to ensure its early restoration. He further instructed the officers to enforce a strict ban on any kind of mining activity particularly near any vital public projects within Nallah Doodganga in the Chadoora area.
Later in the day, the Deputy Chief Minister visited the shrine of the revered Sufi saint Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Noorani at Charar-i-Sharief, where he paid obeisance. He also interacted with local delegations and the Shrine Intizamia, who apprised him of various issues and demands.
He was accompanied by MLA Chadoora, Ali Mohammad Dara and former Minister Aga Syed Mehmood.
Chief Engineers of M&HD, PMGSY and PWD, ADC Budgam, SDM Chadoora and other senior officers also accompanied the Deputy Chief Minister.
