Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday reviewed the winter preparedness in the Union Territory, directing all concerned departments and agencies to ensure coordinated, timely and effective arrangements to minimise public inconvenience during the winter months.
Emphasising the need for close interdepartmental coordination, the chief minister called for a well-coordinated mechanism for snow clearance, particularly on roads maintained by different departments and agencies, an official spokesman said.
Abdullah stressed that clear responsibilities and coordination between roads and buildings (R&B), Mechanical, Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), urban local bodies (ULBs), Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) and other departments were essential to ensure the timely restoration of road connectivity during inclement weather and snowfall.
He directed that nodal officers be designated to coordinate snow clearance operations among the different road-maintaining agencies, ensuring that the work is carried out in a synchronised manner and that no road is left unattended due to a lack of coordination.
Abdullah underscored the importance of planning, timely deployment of men and machinery, and effective monitoring of snow clearance operations, particularly in areas vulnerable to heavy snowfall and prolonged disruption of road connectivity, the spokesman said.
Reviewing the power supply scenario, the chief minister directed the Power Development Department and the distribution companies to ensure strict adherence to the notified power curtailment schedules.
He observed that while technical faults and other exigencies could occasionally necessitate power interruptions beyond scheduled curtailments, consumers must be kept informed about such disruptions in advance wherever possible.
Abdullah stressed that timely communication was essential to reduce public inconvenience and enable consumers to plan accordingly.
People should not be left uncertain about the duration or reasons for power interruptions, he said, adding that field staff must strictly implement the approved power curtailment schedules and should not be allowed to impose additional or unscheduled power cuts at their own discretion.
Stressing the need for accountability, the chief minister called for effective monitoring of power supply arrangements and directed the department to ensure that the notified schedules are implemented uniformly across the areas concerned.
During the meeting, detailed presentations were made by Kashmir Divisional Commissioner Anshul Garg and Jammu Divisional Commissioner Vikas Kundal on the winter preparedness plans drawn up by their respective divisions.
The presentations covered arrangements for snow clearance, stocking of ration, LPG and other essential commodities in snowbound areas, preparedness for maintaining electricity and drinking water supplies, and the availability of healthcare services during periods of heavy snowfall, the spokesman said.
Particular emphasis was laid on ensuring adequate medical facilities and emergency response mechanisms in areas that frequently remain cut off during winter. The arrangements included the availability of 4×4 ambulances, helicopter services wherever required and tracking of maternity cases in vulnerable areas which may need emergency medical assistance during prolonged periods of snowfall.
The chief minister stressed the importance of identifying vulnerable populations in advance and putting in place appropriate arrangements to ensure that no patient is left without access to emergency medical care because of adverse weather conditions.
Areas including Gurez, Machhil and Karnah, besides parts of Poonch, Rajouri, Udhampur and Kathua were among the regions for which specific preparedness measures were reviewed in view of their vulnerability to heavy snowfall and disruption of connectivity, the spokesman said.
Abdullah emphasised that the availability of essential commodities, healthcare services, electricity and drinking water must be ensured through advance planning, particularly in remote and snowbound areas where the movement of people and supplies can become difficult during winter.
He called upon all departments to maintain close coordination with the district administrations and ensure that contingency arrangements are in place to respond promptly to weather-related emergencies.
Abdullah also stressed the need for effective communication between field formations and district authorities so that emerging challenges can be addressed without delay.
