The District Development Commissioner Ganderbal, Shafqat Iqbal, today visited Sonamarg to have firsthand appraisal of snow clearance operation on Sonamarg-Gumri road. On the occasion, the DDC was briefed by the officials of Beacon about the current condition of the road and status of snow clearance operations from Sonamarg to Captain Morh area.The DDC exhorted the beacon authorities to speed up the pace of work and clear bottle necks, if any, so that road is thrown open for the tourist up to Sonamarg at the earliest.Later, the DDC convened a meeting of concerned line departments to review the arrangements for snow festival being organized in 2nd week of March.The meeting was attended by SSP Ganderbal, Khalil Poswal, Executive Engineer PHE, CEO Sonamarg Development Authority, SDM Kangan, SDPO Kangan, and officials from Health, PDD, BRO and other concerned.He exhorted upon the officers to take stock of ground situation at Sonamarg so that restoration of other works and allied facilities like electricity, water and health care is restored before the festival.The PDD authorities were asked to restore electricity in the area besides arranging genset.
Executive Engineer PHE was asked to inspect the sources of portable water besides repairing the damaged pipes, if any, so that water supply restored in the area. While the health department was asked to review all modalities to restore the functioning of hospital at Sonamarg, which remains closed during the winter.The DDC directed the Police department to resume Sonamarg Police Station well in time which also remains closed during winter.The CEO, SDA was asked to access the ground situation and damage if any, and take necessary measures for repairing well on time so that visitors do not face any inconvenience.Later, the DDC inspected the functioning of Government Higher Secondary School Hariganwan where he checked the attendance of the employees.While returning from Sonamarg, the DDC reviewed the progress on under construction road from NHW to Kachipatri constructed at the cost of Rs 5.28 crore by PMGSY under phase-I and water scheme at Kachipatri approved under languishing scheme.