DC Reasi reviews winter preparedness

• Stresses on timely stocking of essential commodities, response readiness

REASI: Deputy Commissioner Reasi Nidhi Malik, today chaired a high-level meeting to review and assess the district’s preparedness for the upcoming winter season. The Deputy Commissioner took a comprehensive review of the availability of snow clearance machinery, stock position of essential commodities, and the action plans prepared by the stakeholder departments to ensure uninterrupted services during harsh weather conditions.

DC Malik directed the departments to complete necessary arrangements well in time to mitigate challenges during the winter months. She emphasized maintaining adequate stocks of essential commodities in far-flung and snow-bound areas, ensuring uninterrupted power and water supply and keeping road connectivity open through the timely deployment of snow clearance machinery.

She took a detailed review of the status of roads and directed the XENs of PWD and PMGSY to keep adequate machinery ready in upper reaches. The GREF officials informed that their machines have already been deployed in vulnerable areas to respond to any emergency situation.

The JPDCL department was instructed to enhance buffer stocks of transformers, while the FCS&CA department was directed to ensure advance ration supply to snow-bound areas. The Health Department was asked to maintain sufficient stocks of medicines, ambulances and staff strength at all health institutions, especially in remote locations.

The Deputy Commissioner also instructed the Block Medical Officer (BMO) Reasi to prepare and submit a detailed list of pregnant women residing in vulnerable and remote areas to ensure timely medical assistance in case of road closures or heavy snowfall.

She further directed officers to inspect houses in remote and hilly areas and identify those needing repairs before the onset of harsh winter to ensure the safety and well-being of residents. She added that the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) should be deployed in sensitive areas to deal with any emergency.

She also directed all concerned departments to establish control rooms at the District Headquarters and in all Sub-Divisions to monitor the situation round the clock and coordinate prompt response during any emergency. ADC Rakesh Kumar, AD FCS&CA, BMO and other district officers were present in the meeting, while the SDMs joined virtually.