GANDERBAL: Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal Shreya Singhal on Friday reviewed the district’s winter preparedness and implementation of key agriculture and allied sector schemes, directing departments to ensure timely action and strengthen monitoring.
At a meeting at the Mini Secretariat, Singhal reviewed the Winter Preparedness Plan 2026 and arrangements to address snowfall, freezing temperatures and adverse weather conditions. She stressed advance planning and interdepartmental coordination to ensure uninterrupted public services and minimise inconvenience to residents.
The Public Works Department, PMGSY and 122 RCC were directed to identify vulnerable and snowbound road stretches, ensure the availability of men and machinery, and put in place effective snow-clearance arrangements. Priority was to be given to routes connecting healthcare facilities, essential services and habitations likely to face disruption.
The Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited was asked to ensure adequate resources for prompt restoration of electricity, while the Jal Shakti Department was directed to protect drinking water schemes from freezing temperatures. The Health Department was asked to ensure availability of essential medicines, staff and emergency services, particularly in areas that may become difficult to access.
The Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department was directed to ensure adequate stocking of essential commodities. The Fire and Emergency Services and Transport departments were also asked to strengthen preparedness for emergencies and safe movement of vehicles during adverse weather.
Singhal asked the Sonamarg Development Authority and Wular Manasbal Development Authority to ensure winter-related arrangements within their jurisdictions. The Education Department and district administration were directed to assess preparedness of educational institutions in view of weather and accessibility concerns.
The DC directed departments to submit updated preparedness plans detailing work status, available resources, gaps and proposed measures, and stressed regular reviews of readiness.
In a separate review-cum-District Level Committee meeting, Singhal assessed the implementation of the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), Jammu and Kashmir Competitiveness Improvement of Agriculture and Allied Sectors Project (JKCIP), Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) and Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).
She reviewed progress against targets, establishment of approved units, financial utilisation, output tracking and credit-linked cases. Implementing departments were directed to expedite pending units, monitor progress regularly and address bottlenecks affecting project execution.
The DC stressed field-level verification and updated records to assess actual progress of beneficiary units. She also called for coordination among the Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, Sheep Husbandry, Sericulture and Fisheries departments and financial institutions to facilitate credit-linked cases and ensure eligible beneficiaries receive scheme benefits.
Implementing agencies were asked to prepare presentations on targets, achievements and progress for consolidation and appraisal by nodal officers.
The meetings were attended by senior district officers, heads of concerned departments and other officials.