REASI, OCTOBER 23: Deputy Commissioner Reasi Kumar Abhishek today chaired a meeting to review winter preparedness, focussing on snow clearance, road connectivity, power and water supply, essential commodities and healthcare and emergency services.
Among those present were Additional Deputy Commissioner Sushil Kesar, Assistant Commissioner (Development) Mukesh Sharma, Additional Superintendent of Police Iftekhar Ahmed, the Chief Medical Officer, Executive Engineers and other officers concerned.
The DC directed all departments concerned to keep manpower, machinery and emergency response teams ready and complete preparatory measures well in advance, particularly in snow-bound, remote and vulnerable areas.
He directed the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), Public Works Department (PWD) and Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) to formulate snow-clearance plans and deploy manpower and machinery at vulnerable, snow-bound and landslide-prone locations to restore roads promptly during snowfall and other weather-related disruptions.
The Jal Shakti Department was directed to protect water supply lines from freezing, maintain stocks of repair materials and ensure safe drinking water throughout the winter; JPDCL to maintain stocks of transformers, electric poles and other repair materials and keep restoration teams on standby; and the Health Department to ensure the availability of doctors, paramedical staff, ambulances, essential medicines and emergency response arrangements, including timely evacuation of pregnant women and other vulnerable patients in the event of heavy snowfall or medical emergencies.
The Deputy Commissioner also directed the establishment of 24×7 control rooms at the district and sub-divisional levels for prompt redressal of public grievances and coordination during emergencies. Sub-Divisional Magistrates were asked to coordinate with line departments, identify gaps in preparedness and take corrective measures without delay.
Telecom operators were directed to keep communication networks functional, particularly in remote and vulnerable areas, and restore services promptly in case of disruption. The Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department was directed to ensure advance stocking and timely distribution of ration, LPG cylinders and petroleum products in remote areas likely to be cut off during snowfall.
