Srinagar, Oct 21 (KNO): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday reviewed winter preparedness across Jammu and Kashmir and directed all departments to ensure coordinated and timely arrangements to minimise public inconvenience during the winter months.
Chairing a high-level meeting, the Chief Minister, according to a statement issued to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), stressed the need for close coordination among departments involved in snow clearance, particularly on roads maintained by multiple agencies.
He said clear responsibilities among the Roads and Buildings Department, Mechanical Engineering Department, Srinagar Municipal Corporation, Urban Local Bodies, PMGSY and other agencies were essential to ensure the timely restoration of road connectivity during snowfall.
He directed the appointment of a nodal officer to coordinate snow clearance operations and ensure no road is left unattended due to a lack of coordination.
Omar Abdullah also emphasised advance planning, timely deployment of men and machinery, and effective monitoring of snow clearance operations, especially in areas vulnerable to heavy snowfall and prolonged disruption of connectivity.
Reviewing the power supply scenario, he directed the Power Development Department and distribution companies to strictly adhere to notified power curtailment schedules.
The Chief Minister said that while technical faults and other emergencies could occasionally lead to unscheduled outages, consumers should be informed in advance wherever possible.
He directed that any deviation from the notified schedule be communicated promptly through appropriate channels and made it clear that field staff should not impose additional power cuts at their own discretion.
Stressing accountability, Omar Abdullah called for effective monitoring of power supply arrangements and uniform implementation of curtailment schedules.
During the meeting, Divisional Commissioners Anshul Garg and Vikas Kundal presented winter preparedness plans for Kashmir and Jammu divisions, respectively.
The review covered arrangements for snow clearance, stockpiling of essential commodities, maintenance of electricity and drinking water supplies, and healthcare preparedness in snowbound areas.
Special emphasis was laid on ensuring adequate medical facilities and emergency response mechanisms in areas that frequently remain cut off during winter. Plans include the availability of 4x4 ambulances, helicopter services where required, and tracking of high-risk maternity cases in vulnerable areas.
The Chief Minister directed departments to identify vulnerable populations in advance and ensure uninterrupted access to emergency medical care during adverse weather conditions.
Preparedness measures for areas prone to heavy snowfall and connectivity disruptions, including Gurez, Machhil, Karnah and parts of Poonch, Rajouri, Udhampur and Kathua, were also reviewed.
Omar Abdullah reiterated that the availability of essential commodities, healthcare services, electricity and drinking water must be ensured through advance planning, particularly in remote and snowbound areas.
He directed all departments to maintain close coordination with district administrations and keep contingency plans ready to respond swiftly to weather-related emergencies—(KNO)