A Preparedness and action plan for Disaster Management on National Highway was today reviewed in a meeting chaired by ADDC at Dak Bunglow Anantnag.Deputy Director Fire & Emergency, SDM Dooru, SE R&B, SE PDD, Officers/ Engineers of 9 RR, CRPF, Engineers of RAMKI besides other district officers were present in the meeting.The ADDC stressed upon the concerned agencies to coordinate and chalk out the necessary action plan to keep the National highway operational during the ensuing winter season.Threadbare discussions were held to prepare plans to meet any eventuality in case of any disaster during the winter on National highway. The ADDC said that to meet the unforeseen eventualities along the National Highway in case of heavy snowfall, a control Room will be setup in Qazigund, for which SDM Dooru will serve as a Nodal Officer. Also 27 schools along the NH from Banihal to Pujteng were identified as shelter sheds.
The ADDC also directed officers of various departments including Health, CAPD, PHE and Forest to stock adequate quantity of medicines, food grains, potable water and firewood so that it serves the passengers stuck in case the highway gets closed during heavy snowfall. The PHE and PDD Departments were asked to ensure potable water and power supply in the designated shelter sheds. The CAPD will keep essential commodities like Rice, Atta, Sugar and K. oil available for the stranded passengers at the shelter sheds and all outlets of the department on National highway.Stressing on participation of people living alongside the National Highway to carry relief and rescue operations in case of any emergency, the ADDC said that volunteers from adjoining areas along the side on NH will be imparted training by the district disaster management cell in coming days.
The Traffic police was directed to ensure Traffic regulation on National highway besides designating parking spaces along the highway at busy junctions. RAMKY construction will clear the snow from Ujru to Pujteng and from Ujru to Jawahar Tunnel, the snow clearance will be made by BECON.It was informed in the meeting that the District Administration will also keep Blankets, Solar lights and LPG Cylinders available at many places along the highway. While CMO Kulgam and BMO Qazigund will keep Ambulances available round the clock besides life saving drugs available at Emergency Hospital Qazigund and PHC, Qazigund. The CO9RR and CRPF 24 BN Tunnel assured every possible assistance for the stranded passengers during snowfall on National highway at Qazigund and Tunnel besides providing shelter sheds at many places.