Additional Deputy Commissioner Anantnag, Shabir Hussain Bhat today convened a meeting to review measures being taken to keep the National Highway open during winter and to combat any eventuality during snowfall and heavy rains.The meeting held threadbare discussions with regard to the preparedness for relief and rescue operations and snow clearance on the National Highway.It was said that a joint control room will be made operational at Qazigund besides one at district headquarters for a coordinated response to any eventuality. To facilitate the stranded passengers during any eventuality, 94 Disaster Management Centres have been established at various places along the National Highway including Jawahar Tunnel, Zig, Lower Munda, Sadiwara, Gulab Bagh, Qazigund and Levdoora. The concerned officer of FCS&CA Department revealed that sufficient quantity of rice, sugar, kerosene oil and other essentials are being stored at these locations which shall be made functional soon. Besides, the ambulance services, medicines, portable oxygen cylinders, emergency drugs are also being arranged enroute the National Highway from Qazigund to Jawahar Tunnel.
In addition, an adequate number of blankets have been stored at different Disaster Management Centres. So far, 149 quintals of firewood has been dumped at shelter sheds, said the concerned officer of SFC.ADC directed the concerned officers to utilize all available men and machinery during the snow clearance operations besides sensitizing them in a proper way. Besides dozers, JCB’s and snow cutters and rescue teams have also been kept ready by the Mechanical Division, Khanabal.The ADC also directed the Traffic Police to ensure better traffic management and regulation from Jawahar Tunnel to Qazigund town.SDM Dooru, SE PDD, Exens of PHE, PDD, Mechanical & R&B, CEO, CMO, officers from police and security, ARTO, all Tehsidars and other concerned district officers besides, the representatives of RAMKY attended the meeting.