District Development Commissioner Ganderbal Dr Piyush Singla today convened a meeting to review the action plan regarding winter preparedness and snow clearance arrangements for upcoming winter in the district.The meeting was attended by ASP Ganderbal, Fayaz Hussain, Executive Engineers R&B/PHE/PGMSY, JE Mechanical Engineering and other concerned officers and officials.While reviewing the availability of snow clearing machinery with the concerned departments, the meeting was informed that Mechanical Engineering Department has 4 show clearing machines which are kept at Ganderbal town. The DDC asked JE Mechanical Engineering for deploying one machine at Kangan in the coming winter season so that mobilization time is not wasted during the snowing days.The PHE department was asked to identify those vulnerable spots where there are chances of freezing of water pipes during the winter, so that necessary arrangements are made to save the pipes from freezing before the onset of winter.The officials of BEACON informed the meeting that 10 snow clearing machines are in a position of readiness to face any eventuality during the coming winter season and have dumped adequate stock of materials like salt and urea for de-icing in case of severe frosting of roads particularly National Highway.
The Fire and Emergency department was asked to keep water pumps ready for dewatering at the water logging places during the coming winter season.The Mechanical Engineering department was directed to deploy one JE at Police Head Quarter Ganderbal from November 15, 2018 to March 15, 2019 during the snow prediction days. The police department was directed to provide information regarding the snow level in the far flung areas of the district through the concerned SHO of the area at the earliest so that prompt action is taken to meet any eventuality.The DDC further directed the concerned authorities to activate the Joint Control Rooms and equip them with adequate manpower to cater to the needs of the general public in coming winters especially during snowing days. He sought inter-departmental coordination for effective response to meet any eventuality in approaching winter season.The DDC asked the officers that the reaction time should be prompt during this winter season as it was in previous year, so that master plan for snow clearance is effectively implemented.The DDC impressed upon the concerned to remain available to people for early redressal of public grievances and stay at Headquarters for better coordination in dealing with snow clearance operations in coming winter season and the essential services are delivered to the beneficiaries well on time.