Main control room set up at Rajbagh having No 2312118

Srinagar, January 1 (INFO)- Men and machinery have been geared up to ensure that all routes including National Highway remains open for traffic following snowfall reported in some areas of the valley.

This was stated at a Disaster Management meeting convened by Divisional commissioner, Kashmir Mr. Basharat Ahmed to review snow clearance operations and preparedness to meet any eventuality in the event of heavy snowfall in the valley here today.

The meeting which was attended by Chief Engineers of various disciplines and divisional level officers of several departments deliberated upon the snow clearance operations both manual and mechanical. It was informed that snow clearance machines and teams have already been deployed to various areas for removing snow from roads. Sufficient member of snow cutters and bulldozers have been kept ready by the Beacon on the National Highway and other specified routes.

The PHE department has kept water tankers ready to ensure water supply in the areas likely to get affected by the snowfall. 50 dewatering pumps have also been kept ready by the Mechanical Engineering departments to pump out water from the submerged areas when need arises.

Municipal Corporation and R&B department are fully prepared to meet the situation arising out of Snowfall.

Reviewing supply and stock position, it was given out that sufficient stocks of sugar, LPG, Rice, K-oil etc are available to meet the requirements of the people during winter.

Addressing the meeting, the Divisional Commissioner called for greater co-ordination among various agencies connected with snow clearance operations for tackling the situation in a satisfactory manner. He said all departments should remain on high alert and keep liaison with him in the event of heavy snowfall. He said the control rooms set up in the district headquarter and other places should work round the clock to minimize the sufferings of people. He exhorted upon the officers to ensure that traffic movement on the roads does not remain affected for a single day.

The Divisional Commissioner directed the Chief Engineer, PDD to keep men and material ready for ensuing power supply to the people in the event of disruption due to heavy snowfall.

Meanwhile, the divisional control room set up at Rajbagh Srinagar having Telephone number-2312118 can be contacted in case of need and emergency by the people.

No: PR/DM-2005/6329/C