JAMMU: Minister for Revenue, Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation & Reconstruction, Syed Basharat Ahmed Bukhari, today chaired a high level meeting to take stock of the situation arisen due to snowfall in Kashmir and other parts of the State besides assessing relief measures being initiated for the affected people. Financial Commissioner Disaster Management, Relief & Rehabilitation, B B Vyas, Special Secretary R&R, Mohammad Akbar Ganai, Director Finance, Shagufta Qazi and other senior officers from Revenue, Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation & Reconstruction Department attended the meeting. Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Baseer Ahmad Khan, DIG Police CKR, Commissioner SMC, and other divisional level officers also participated in the meeting through video conferencing.
Reviewing the status of snow clearance, the Minister directed for keeping functional all the major roads and emergency routes especially at upper reaches of avalanche prone areas. It was informed that in addition to all district roads, connectivity leading to Srinagar city has been cleared of the snow for smooth passage of traffic. Besides, snow clearance is being done on regular basis in the areas in higher reaches where snow cover is upto 5 feet.
The Minister further asked for procurement of additional snow cutting machines to cater to the actual requirement of snow clearance in vulnerable spots. Taking stock of snow related damages, the Minister directed for proper relief and rehabilitation of people affected by recent snow storms especially in Gurez and Tulail areas which face high risk of snow avalanche. The meeting was informed that 30 families were successfully evacuated from high risk areas during recent snowfall in which 49 structures were partially damaged. Besides, all arrangements are being made for undertaking emergency rescue and evacuation measures.
For catering to the day to day requirements of the people in valley, the Minister issued strict instructions for keeping adequate stock of ration, kerosene oil and LPG gas cylinders available besides ensuring their timely distribution especially in the upper reaches and far flung areas. After assessing the damages caused to electricity distribution channel, the Minister asked for immediate repair, restoration and replacement of necessary infrastructure and equipment.
Taking stock of healthcare facilities, the Minister directed for adequate medicine supply and proper heating arrangements besides ensuring regular attendance of medical personnel in government health institutions. The meeting was informed that commercial air connectivity of Srinagar city with the rest of the country will be resumed as soon as the weather clears up. The Minister appreciated the hard work and early intervention by the district administrations in taking care of the snowfall affected people in Kashmir division. He also called for special assistance to stranded tourists including arrangements for their safe return.