Following overnight snowfall in the district, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Dr. Shahid Iqbal Choudhary early Friday morning visited various areas around the Srinagar city to inspect snow-clearance operation and take firsthand assessment of other arrangements put in place to deal with challenges from the prevailing weather situation in the district.Senior officers from MED, PWD, PHE, SMC, PDD, UEED and Health departments accompanied him on the occasion and briefed him about their respective action plans to ensure quick dealing with any challenges.The DC also inspected several important installations of mechanical engineering, power, water and medical-care equipped to deal with different kinds of concerns and problems that might arise out of the weather situation. He was informed that snow clearance machinery has been activated across the district.Dr Shahid asked all the departments to put in their best and ensure challenges are dealt with quickly and efficiently in order to avoid interruption in services and immediate restorations wherever required. He was assured by all departments that they are geared up to meet any challenge and ensure quickest response aimed at minimal interruption in essential services.He also interacted with the ground staff instructing them to ensure their presence on the ground right till the end of the inclement weather. He directed the concerned officers for thorough implementation of action plans in order to ensure timely and coordinated redress of problems and eventualities.
The DC was informed that ground staff has been equipped with necessary gear required to brave harsh weather conditions while dealing with eventualities that might arise.It is notable the Srinagar administration Tuesday last month released 4 crore rupees to line departments to enhance their capabilities to deal with challenges of inclement weather aimed at ensuring uninterrupted essential services in the district. The amount includes 5 lakh rupees for each department for acquiring required harsh-weather-specific gear and safety equipment for their ground staff.Speaking on the occasion the DC assured that the best possible measures have been taken and preparations made to avoid interruption in services as much as possible and quickest possible restoration of services that might be affected.He said the general public can report their related concerns at helpline numbers 01942483229, 01942452182, 01942472580 and 01942477033 and can expect quickest possible action on them.It was informed that all departments have set up control rooms as directed adding that to ensure close coordination between them a central control room to oversee the overall operations has been established at DC Office Srinagar. The control rooms have been directed to be fully responsive and prompt in responding to calls for action and assistance.