JAMMU: Chief Secretary Dr Arun Kumar Mehta today chaired a meeting to review winter readiness, supply and storage of essentials in Kashmir Division and snow-covered districts of the province from Jammu, including Kishtwar, Doda, Poonch and Rajouri.
Administrative Secretaries of the Departments of Finance, Energy Development, Food, Civilian Supplies and Consumption, Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction, Division Commissioners of Jammu and Kashmir, Inspectors General of Police, Jammu -and-Kashmir, directors general of DISCOM, deputy commissioners (DC) and district SPs from all districts, as well as officials from relevant departments attended the meeting.
He was informed that the division and district administrations have taken all precautionary and preparedness measures for the winter season, with particular emphasis on the adverse weather conditions in all snow-covered areas of Jammu and Kashmir.
It was further informed that during today’s rainfall, only 2 out of 1020 power supply networks and 10 out of 705 water supply networks in the Kashmir Valley experienced minor issues which will be also recovered in a few hours. In addition, all roads have been cleared for vehicular traffic and no prolonged disruptions have been reported.
The Chief Secretary called on the Departments of Public Works (R&B), Energy Development, Jal Shakti, Food, Civilian Supplies and Consumer and Disaster Management to be well prepared for ensure the provision of essential services throughout the winter season and deal with any adverse eventuality. .
He was informed that this year the national road-44 will remain open to motor traffic throughout the year and, as such, the PWD has been requested to increase snow / skidding machines throughout. vulnerable points. District administration, Ramban, has been urged to activate heavy vehicle waiting areas during the vagaries of the Jawahar Tunnel weather; and regulating traffic for a smooth passage of light vehicles.
Departmental and district administrations were invited to pay particular attention to areas prone to landslides and avalanches and to monitor vehicle traffic, especially during heavy rainfall, in addition to ensuring a minimum response time to reported emergencies.
Regarding snow removal and road connectivity maintenance during the harsh winter months, the chief secretary asked the public works department to focus on minimum damage to road surfaces during the winter months. exercise by following appropriate guidelines and using appropriate technology / practice.
The Department of Energy Development was instructed to actively monitor reported failures of power distribution and transmission channels and undertake timely repairs and replacement of damaged equipment to ensure uninterrupted power supply and reliable during the harsh winter months.
The Department of Food, Civilian Supplies and Consumer Affairs has been urged to ensure sufficient storage of winter fuel and food grains in all areas affected by winter.
In addition, the Chief Secretary ordered those concerned to establish winter control rooms to monitor and resolve grievances regarding electricity, water, essential supplies, health services, road connectivity and emergency evacuation / rescue. They have been advised to promote the hotlines widely to the public and to ensure that they provide the latest information and services appropriate to the grievances and issues raised by the emergency numbers, including the likely time to wait. solve problems.
Reviewing preparedness to mitigate natural disasters, the chief secretary called on those concerned to issue timely weather advisories to alert the public of extreme weather conditions.
