BUDGAM, JANUARY 20: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Budgam Dr. Bilal Mohi-ud-Din Bhat, today chaired a comprehensive meeting to review district-level winter preparedness, with emphasis on snow clearance, essential services, emergency response and public assistance mechanisms.
The DC directed the R&B and Mechanical Departments to ensure all snow clearance machinery and manpower remain in ready condition and stationed at designated locations.
The Mechanical Department informed that 23 snow clearance machines are available at the Budgam Snow Clearance Control Room for winter season 2025–26, comprising of 8 Snow Machines with Variable V-Ploughs,11 Snow Cats with Fixed V-Ploughs, besides, a Backhoe Loader, Snow Cutter/Blower (Unimog), Snow Blower (Fresia) and one Wheel Loader (Liugong).
The DC instructed that machinery shall be deployed as and when required to ensure timely clearance of all main roads, link roads and priority routes.
The DC directed the Power Development Department to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply and maintain preparedness for immediate restoration of damaged lines and infrastructure during snowfall.
Executive Engineers of Jal Shakti Department were instructed to ensure smooth and uninterrupted water supply across the district, especially in snow-bound and vulnerable areas.
The CMO Budgam was directed to ensure 24×7 availability of ambulance services, adequate medical staff, essential drugs and emergency healthcare facilities in both upper reaches and low-lying areas.
All SDMs, Tehsildars and other field officers were instructed to conduct regular field visits within their jurisdictions to monitor preparedness and take preventive measures well in time.
The DC mandated the establishment of 24×7 District Control Room at District Headquarters, Control Rooms at Sub-Division level to provide timely assistance and redress public grievances during the winter season.
He emphasised close coordination among all departments and directed officers to remain in high alert mode to mitigate any exigency arising out of inclement weather conditions.
The meeting was attended by ADC, CPO, ACR, SC R&B Division Budgam, SDMs, CMO, Executive Engineers of various engineering wings, Tehsildars, Executive Officers of Municipal Committees, and other concerned officers.