Amid snowfall and torrential rains, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Baseer Ahmad Khan today conducted an extensive tour the city to inspect ground-zero measures for snow clearance and restoration of essential services.Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, Chief Engineers of Power & Mechanical Engineering Department, Director Health Services, Principal GMC, Superintending Engineers of PHE, R&B & UEED and other concerned officers accompanied the Div Com.The Div Com visited Jehangir Chowk, Naaz Crossing, Barzullah chowk, Solina, Amar Singh college crossing, Jawahar Nagar, Raj Bagh, Abdullah Bridge, TRC crossing, Sheerwani Road, Polo view, Regal Chowk, Residency Road, Lal Chowk, Budshah Chowk and other areas of the city to review snow clearance work. It was informed that Mechanical Engineering Department (MED) had pressed 23 snow clearance machines in city and 132 in other parts of the Valley with dedicated men for snow clearance work. Besides, R&B, PMGSY, BEACON, NHAI and RAMKY have put into service their men and machinery in their respective jurisdiction for snow clearance operations.
The Divisional Commissioner directed SMC to cleare all inner roads, lanes, bye-lanes of snow across the city besides pressing into service mobile dewatering pumps in the low-lying areas to prevent inundation. The Fire & Emergency Services authorities were also asked to deploy fire tenders and de-watering pumps.The PDD & PHE departments were directed to keep men and machinery in a state of readiness to ensure immediate restoration of electric and water supply, in case of any breakdown. The PHE was also asked to press water tankers into service when and wherever required.Khan directed officers of line departments to monitor the functioning of Winter Joint Control Rooms on hourly basis and keep their men and machinery in ready mode to meet any eventuality.Later, Divisional Commissioner visited Bone & Joint Hospital and took stock of heating arrangements, availability of medicines, functioning of X-ray machines besides sanitation in and around the premises. He inspected various blocks and sections of the hospital and interacted with patients and attendants.