Adverse weather alert: Div Com Kashmir says ‘administration fully prepare to handle any situation’
Srinagar, Dec 30 (KINS): Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, on Tuesday said that all departments across the Valley are on high alert and fully geared up to handle the weather conditions expected from Tuesday evening.
Speaking to reporters as per news agency Kashmir Indepth News Service (KINS), Garg said that the weather advisory issued by the Meteorological Department has already been disseminated widely and urged people to remain cautious from this evening till tomorrow.
He appealed to citizens to stay alert and follow official advisories during the period.
While highlighting the positive side of the snowfall season, the Divisional Commissioner said it has brought encouraging signs for Kashmir’s tourism sector. He noted a significant surge in tourist arrivals, adding that footfall during the current snow spell has already surpassed that of last week and continues to rise.
On administrative readiness, Garg said the Integrated Command and Control Centre at the divisional level is functioning round-the-clock to monitor the situation and ensure swift coordination. He added that public helpline numbers have been circulated widely and every distress call is being attended to without delay.
At the district level, Garg said all Deputy Commissioners have established 24×7 control rooms. He further informed that key agencies, including the Public Works Department, Beacon, National Highways Authority, PMGSY, Srinagar Municipal Corporation and other urban local bodies, have activated their teams and pre-positioned snow clearance machinery to ensure immediate response in case of road disruptions.
The Divisional Commissioner said all executing agencies have kept their equipment operational so that snow clearance work can begin promptly wherever required.
Regarding essential supplies, Garg assured that adequate arrangements are in place, especially in border and remote areas. He said the Food and Civil Supplies Department completed stocking in all far-flung and border belts by November 30. Additionally, LPG supplies have been positioned at 893 snow-bound locations to meet requirements for the next four months.
He also said the Health Department has ensured the availability of heating facilities and essential medicines in all hospitals and health centres, with special focus on hard-to-reach areas. Vulnerable patients and pregnant women have been identified and mapped, and Deputy Commissioners have been directed to ensure timely relocation wherever necessary.
Responding to queries on prohibitory orders and VPN restrictions, the Divisional Commissioner said such decisions are taken by district administrations based on their respective security assessments. He added that Deputy Commissioners conduct regular reviews of anti-social elements and impose restrictions in districts such as Kupwara and Kulgam wherever deemed necessary, in the larger interest of public safety and order.(KINS)
