DC Ganderbal reviews Winter preparedness at Sonamarg

• Directs all departments to ensure seamless coordination, uninterrupted essential services & proactive facilitation of tourists, residents for upcoming winter season

GANDERBAL: To assess the preparedness of all departments for the upcoming winter season at tourist destination Sonmarg, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Ganderbal, Jatin Kishore today chaired a review meeting at Sonamarg.  All the departmental heads briefed the chair regarding the arrangements made at the tourism destination Sonmarg to facilitate locals and the tourists during the ongoing winter months. 

In view of the significant footfall expected in Sonamarg during the upcoming winter season after the opening of Sonamarg Tunnel, the DC directed all departments to ensure seamless coordination, uninterrupted essential services, and proactive facilitation of tourists and residents. For timely snow clearance and ensuring mobility which remains main cause of concern, BRO and R&B were directed to keep all major and minor roads fully cleared of snow, with machinery deployed round-the-clock at critical points like Zero Point and Truck Yard.

The DC instructed the concerned to issue early Advisory and put up safety signage regarding slippery patches, chain-use and weather conditions across Sonamarg. In order to avoid overcharging, he directed concerned officers to fix rates for vehicle snow chains and monitor overcharging, if any. With regard to smooth power and water supply, KPDCL was instructed to ensure 24×7 uninterrupted power supply, especially to health centres, hotels and essential service points. They were also directed to station fault-redressal teams locally. Jal Shakti department was directed to ensure continuous availability of potable water with water purity checks conducted regularly.

In connection with health preparedness for winter months at the destination, CMO briefed that a comprehensive winter action plan is in place with adequate doctors, paramedics and ambulances. He assured that heating arrangements and essential medical equipment will remain fully functional. The DC directed strengthening Emergency medical response mechanism with active coordination between SDM, CEO SDA and Health Department.

Laying thrust on promoting winter tourism and winter sports in Sonamarg, DC requested Youth Services and Sports Department and Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering and Winter Sports to organize winter sports events like Ice Skating and Skiing courses. The meeting also deliberated over organizing a Winter Festival Event at Sonamarg and Tourism department was tasked to finalize the event plan in coordination with the district administration.

The DC also called for round-the-clock operation of dedicated Control Room in the Tehsil Office to disseminate weather updates and respond to any emergencies. Forest department was instructed to ensure adequate availability of firewood. Besides, Telecom operators were directed to strengthen connectivity and resolve dark spots near the tunnel entry.

Fire and Emergency Services department was instructed to maintain full readiness with drivers and staff available at all times. The DC directed making Solid Waste Management Plant fully operational in Sonamarg with proper power backup. SDA was asked to ensure regular cleanliness drives in the Sonamarg bowl.  The meeting was attended by senior officers of BRO, PDD, JalShakti, Health, SDA, Tourism, Police, Forest, Fire Services, Telecom agencies, Youth Services & Sports, Food and Civil Supplies, and other line departments.