The Minister for Education, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari today convened a meeting to review the overall winter preparedness with the heads of various department in Kashmir Division.The Meeting was attended by Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Baseer Ahmad Khan, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Dr Syed Abid Rashid Shah, officials from SMC, Local Bodies, PDD, PHE, Police, Traffic, Health, PMGSY and other concerned departments.On the occasion, The Minister was informed that all the necessary arrangements have been put in place by Divisional Administration for which men and machinery are ready to meet any kind of eventuality in the event of inclement weather.The meeting was further informed that control rooms have been set up across Kashmir and helpline numbers has been disseminated to the people through media.It was given out that around 8000 Kms of road will be covered by Mechanical Department for snow clearance while as 7729 Kms will be looked by R&B Department for which the machinery and manpower stand ready.
Directing the officials to give preference to hospitals and other places of emergency services for clearing of road blockades due to snowfall, the Minister advised the Health Services to ensure availability of doctors, medicines and heating arrangements at all hospitals. Similar directions were passed on to PHE, PDD and other departments. The meeting was also informed that essential commodities like LPG, petrol and diesel stand already stocked.Minister said that there is a need of snowfall in the Valley as it adds to the beauty of Kashmir and helps to increase tourism in the winter season. In this regard, he directed the departments to work with zeal and dedication and put in the efforts so that snow festival or winter tourism would not suffer in any way.On the occasion, Divisional Commissioner said that every department should follow the Standard Operation Procedure (SOP) so that the before and after snowfall work goes on smoothly with no discomfort to public.