Srinagar: The district administrations of Budgam and Kulgam have stepped up preparations for the upcoming winter, directing departments to ensure timely snow clearance, adequate stocks of essential commodities and uninterrupted power, water and healthcare services.
In Budgam, Deputy Commissioner Jatin Kishore directed departments to stock essential supplies in snow-bound areas and ensure the availability of adequate machinery and manpower to deal with snowfall and weather-related emergencies.
Chairing a review meeting, Kishore asked municipal committees to deploy vehicles and snow-clearance equipment near hospitals, on roads and at other priority locations. The Mechanical Engineering Department was directed to keep snow cutters, trucks, tractors and other machinery operational, with timely repairs and testing.
The Roads and Buildings (R&B) and Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) departments were instructed to float stage contracts in time and position machinery along designated routes. The Additional Deputy Commissioner was asked to prepare a winter action plan and maintain updated contact details of drivers and information on available resources.
The Deputy Commissioner also directed the Power Development Department to maintain buffer stocks of transformers and transformer oil, while the Jal Shakti Department was asked to ensure adequate stocks of pipes and uninterrupted water supply.
Healthcare facilities were directed to maintain sufficient medicines and staff, heating arrangements, backup systems and four-wheel-drive ambulances. The Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department was asked to ensure adequate stocks of essential commodities and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), particularly in snow-bound areas.
Fire and Emergency Services was directed to maintain adequate fuel stocks and operational readiness, while Civil Defence and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) were asked to strengthen emergency response training and disaster mitigation measures.
Kishore directed that the Snow Control Room be made operational from November 1 to address public grievances and emergencies. He also called for traffic management measures and advisories against roadside parking to facilitate snow clearance.
In Kulgam, Deputy Commissioner Shahzad Alam directed departments to strengthen preparations for snowfall, maintain road connectivity and ensure uninterrupted essential services.
Chairing a meeting at the Mini-Secretariat, Alam ordered the constitution of tehsil-level committees to monitor snow-clearance operations and periodically certify the areas cleared of snow to facilitate effective monitoring and timely restoration of road connectivity.
He stressed the need to ensure adequate manpower, machinery and essential supplies for snow clearance, power and water supply, healthcare and the distribution of essential commodities.
The Kulgam administration was also directed to give special attention to far-flung and snow-bound areas, particularly to ensure timely rescue, safe accommodation and medical assistance for expectant mothers, ailing people and others requiring urgent healthcare during adverse weather conditions.
Alam called for close coordination among frontline departments and directed officers to remain prepared to address public grievances and minimise inconvenience to residents during winter.
The meetings in both districts were attended by senior district administration officials and representatives of various departments responsible for essential services and emergency response.
