District Development Commissioner Reasi, Nidhi Malik, today chaired a virtual meeting to assess the status of restoration of road connectivity, electricity supply and drinking water schemes in affected areas. During the meeting, the concerned departments apprised the DDC about the damage to roads, power infrastructure and water supply schemes in several areas, particularly in snow-bound and far-flung regions.
It was informed that multiple roads were blocked due to heavy snow accumulation, while electricity transmission lines and water supply pipelines were disrupted at various locations. Reviewing the situation in Mahore Sub-Division, the Sub-Divisional Magistrate informed that the sub-division is facing power outage owing to damage to electric poles and transmission lines caused by heavy snowfall and rainfall.
It was further reported that the disruption in electricity supply has also led to suspension of water supply in the area. Taking serious note of the situation, the District Development Commissioner directed the concerned officers to ensure restoration of electricity in Mahore Sub-Division on priority by today evening so that normal water supply can be resumed at the earliest.
The Executive Engineer, Jal Shakti Department, Mahore informed that around 10 to 15 water supply schemes in the sub-division have been partially damaged. The DDC instructed the department to expedite restoration works and ensure that all affected schemes are made functional at the earliest to provide relief to the public.
Reviewing the road status in Mahore Sub-Division, the Executive Engineer PWD informed that 28 roads were closed, out of which 10 roads were reopened for traffic today. He added that several roads in the Gulabgarh area remain blocked due to heavy snow accumulation.
He informed that men and machinery has been deployed to restore connectivity on priority. The Executive Engineer, PMGSY informed that a total of 40 roads were closed due to snowfall across the district, adding that 12 roads in Arnas have been reopened for vehicular movement today.
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) informed that the Shajru and Budhan roads are presently closed due to heavy snowfall and that restoration of traffic on these routes may take about two days, subject to weather conditions.
Speaking at the meeting, the District Development Commissioner directed the SDM Mahore to closely monitor the ongoing restoration work and obtain detailed information regarding deployment of machinery and manpower to ensure timely clearance of roads and restoration of essential services.
She stressed the need for coordinated efforts among all departments to restore normalcy at the earliest and minimise inconvenience to the public. The DDC also instructed all concerned departments to remain on high alert, ensure uninterrupted communication with field functionaries and keep the district administration updated on the progress of restoration works on a real-time basis. Additional District Development Commissioner Sukhdev Singh Samyal was also present in the meeting.