Deputy Commissioner, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary today toured various areas of the district to review essential services and snow clearance operations, besides obtaining public feedback in this regard.He was accompanied by Superintendent of Police Bandipora Sheikh Zulfikar Azad, Tehsildar (headquarters) Mubashir Saleem Nazki, officials of R&B, PHE, PDD and other senior officials of the district.Dr Choudhary visited various villages including Bankote, Matrigam, Pethkote, Chak, Kralpora, Braripora, Guzarbal, Nowgam, Pazalpora, Drmahama, Athwatoo, Tangat, Chandaji, villages. He took stock of snow clearance operations, restoration of electricity and availability of essential commodities. He interacted with the public at various places and heard their grievances, besides passing on spot directions for its redressal.Dr Choudhary said all the men and machinery have been put on high alert in the district since last week and the snow clearance operations were started on early Friday morning to ensure all major link roads are cleared on war footing basis to make them through for the general public across the district.
He said all the main roads have been cleared till evening.He said the Mechanical Engineer Department has put 14 Snow Cats in service across the district to clear the snow, besides machinery of various municipalities. He said the men and machinery are on high alert in view of the snow prediction for the next two days. DC Bandipora said major roads including in town were cleared manually as there was less accumulation of snow this time and use of machines could have damaged the road surface. He said all the major roads of Bandipora, Hajin, Sumbal towns were cleared by the field staff of respective municipalities.He lauded the efforts of the field staff in clearing the roads quickly, besides ensuring regular water supply and electricity.Dr Choudhary said in Snowbound Gurez area Sub-Divisional Magistrate is monitoring the snow clearance operations and all major roads in Tulail, Dawar and adjoining areas were cleared on priority so that people do not suffer.He said the administration has set up a control room in the Mini Secretariat Bandipora and urged the people to contact on phone numbers 01957-225322, 01957-225276, 7006526985, 9797151356.