Winter preparedness reviewed at Handwara

KUPWARA: Additional Deputy Commissioner,(ADC), Handwara, Javed Naseem Masoodi today convened a review meeting with officers of various line departments to assess and strengthen the sub division preparedness in light of weather advisory and snowfall prediction.

The meeting was attended by OC Beacon and all Tehsildars as well as officers from R&B PMGSY, Municipal Committee Langate and Handwara, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs and health department. Regarding winter stocking and essential supplies, the Food Supplies department informed that sufficient stock of rice, sugar, atta, fuel and LPG has been ensured in the Sub division.

Regarding snow clearance and machinery readiness, the Mechanical, R&B, Beacon and PMGSY briefed the Chair on the availability and deployment plans of snow clearance equipment and machinery at key locations to ensure road connectivity remains open in the event of heavy snowfall. The departments were directed to ensure utmost coordination for snow clearance at the earliest.

The Electric Division informed about the buffer stock of transformers and other key spares, ensuring rapid restoration of electricity in extreme weather conditions.

The health officials presented measures taken to ensure availability of medical emergency response, essential medicines, and Ambulance services in high- altitude and hard reach areas. The ADC directed that Sub division and Tehsil level control rooms be kept operational 24×7 during winter to monitor weather developments and coordination swift responses to public grievances and exigencies.

Addressing the  officers, the ADC underscored the imperative of inter departmental coordination and proactive steps to mitigate winter related challenges. He urged all departments to maintain continuous readiness, particularly in sectors prone to snowfall and connectivity disruptions. He further emphasized that every stakeholder must work with diligence to ensure that essential services including transport, power, food supply, healthcare, and snow clearance remain fully functional even under severe winter conditions. He also directed to ensure all staff of these departments to remain at their headquarters.