Advisor to Governor, Shri Khurshid A Ganai and Chief Secretary, Shri B V R Subrahmanyam today complimented the Divisional and District Administration, Kashmir for swiftly and effectively responding to the snowfall last week.With weatherman predicting another spell of snow in Kashmir, this weekend, Advisor Ganai and Chief Secretary arrived at the winter secretariat here today to review the preparedness to ensure that people are put to minimum inconvenience as far as possible.Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, IG Kashmir Zone, HoDs of various departments and senior officers from Civil and Police administration attended the meeting. Deputy Commissioners participated in the meeting through video conferencing.Advisor Ganai observed that snow fall is critical for water supplies, agriculture and our tourism related activities; however, it has to be ensured that people are not put to any inconvenience in terms of traffic movement, water, power supply, medicine, firewood and other essential services.Mr Ganai mentioned about the delay in snow clearance from lanes and by-lanes in certain pockets of Kashmir Valley. He asked the Divisional Administration to ensure that along with the urban centers, life in far flung areas does not get disrupted by wet weather.
Advisor Ganai and Chief Secretary complimented the officers for their commendable work in restoring roads and essential services within the shortest possible time during the forgone winter period.“Visibility of officers on ground during such situations reassures the people about commitment of the administration in restoring the affected services within the shortest possible time”, they observed.Chief Secretary urged the Deputy Commissioners to access the funds admissible under SDRF for restoration of water supply schemes, power and road infrastructure, as per the requirement. “You will be actually saving your budgeted funds by utilizing admissible SDRF funds for restoration work” he observed.Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir and Deputy Commissioners briefed about the measures put in place to tackle spells of future snowfall and inclement weather. Stock position with regard to essential items including LPG, Rice Sugar, K-Oil and other petroleum products was reviewed extensively.Director Meteorology, Mr Sonum Lotus apprised that a weather system has built up which will lead to fresh snowfall from Friday, though not expected to be as heavy as last week. “Wet weather conditions marked by light to moderate snowfall and rains are likely to prevail till January 14,” he informed.