Kupwara: Deputy Commissioner Kupwara Abhishek Sharma has directed departments to ensure uninterrupted essential services in the border subdivision of Karnah during the forthcoming winter season, with particular emphasis on road connectivity, power supply, healthcare and availability of essential commodities.
The directions were issued during a meeting chaired by the Deputy Commissioner at Karnah following the conclusion of his two-day visit to the subdivision.
During the visit, Sharma stayed overnight in Karnah and interacted with civil society members and residents to assess local issues, developmental concerns and public grievances.
The meeting was attended by Sub-Divisional Magistrate Karnah Firdous Ahmad Qadri, Tehsildar, Block Medical Officer, Block Development Officer, Executive Engineers of Roads and Buildings (R&B) and Hydraulic divisions, besides representatives of the Power Development Department (PDD), Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) and Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA) Department.
A department-wise review was conducted to assess arrangements for the winter months, including stocking of essential commodities, power and water supply, snow clearance, road maintenance and availability of medical facilities and emergency healthcare services.
The Deputy Commissioner directed departments to put response mechanisms in place to deal with heavy snowfall and adverse weather conditions, particularly in remote and snowbound areas.
He asked engineering departments to ensure the availability of snow clearance machinery and adequate manpower to keep essential roads and link routes open. The concerned departments were also directed to make arrangements for the timely restoration of electricity and water supply in case of disruptions.
Reviewing healthcare facilities, Sharma stressed adequate stocking of essential medicines, availability of medical staff and uninterrupted emergency medical services during periods of heavy snowfall.
He also called for focused implementation of the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP) in Karnah, highlighting the strategic importance of its seven designated border villages. He stressed the need to improve basic infrastructure, connectivity and access to essential services in these areas.
Villages including Amroohi, Nawagabra, Seemari, Teetwal and Hajitra were specifically mentioned in the context of developmental interventions.
The Deputy Commissioner directed departments to strengthen coordination and maintain regular communication to ensure prompt resolution of public grievances and emerging requirements. He asked officers to remain prepared in advance so that winter-related disruptions do not affect the delivery of essential services.
