Minister for Agriculture Production, Ghulam Nabi Lone Hanjura today convened a meeting to review winter preparedness and availability of essential commodities in the district.The Minister took stock of the availability of food grains, sugar, LPG, petrol, diesel, kerosene oil, besides availability of medicines in the district.While directing the concerned officers, to keep their men and machinery ready for snow clearance during winters, the Minister stressed them to work in coordination to deal with any exigency It was also given out that Mechanical Engineering Department has deployed 11 snow clearance machines for clearing of 954 km road length. The Minister also directed R&B and Municipal officials to ensure snow clearance of roads falling under their jurisdiction. He also urged all concerned to ensure prioritization during clearance works. The Minister directed PDD authorities to ensure prompt delivery of restoration services in case of breakdown of transformers. He urged the concerned to ensure that there are no unscheduled power cuts. The Minister was informed that a transformer bank has been established in the district.
Similar instructions were passed on to PHE authorities who were asked to ensure tanker services in areas where the water supply may be disrupted.The Minister also took stock of the availability and distribution of firewood and timber. It was informed that 1, 38,000 cft of timber and 7500 quintals of firewood has been distributed.The Minister took an in-depth review of winter programmes being undertaken by Education Department and was informed that 117 free coaching centers for students of class 1 to 8 and 20 centers at Higher Secondary Schools for classes 9-12 are operational. The Minister directed the concerned to ensure inclusion of far-flung areas in the initiative.He was also briefed about the progress under District Capex and various other schemes. Besides the Minister also reviewed the progress of Chief Minister’s commitments and progress made on Board decisions. He was informed that 70% progress has been achieved.Speaking on the occasion, the Minister asked the forum to redouble their efforts so that the common man does not face any inconvenience during the harsh winters.Among others, the meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner Budgam, SSP Budgam and SEs of various engineering wings.