Suhail Bhat
Srinagar, Jan 8: Despite staff shortages and delays in fund disbursement, the Mechanical Engineering Department (MED) in Kashmir continues its snow clearance operations with a combination of old and advanced machinery.
Chief Engineer MED Manga Ram Kotwal shared insights into the department’s preparedness, challenges, and reliance on a versatile fleet with Excelsior as the region prepares for more snowfall.
The MED oversees snow clearance for 10,203 kilometers of roads in Kashmir, prioritizing 7,000 kilometers under Priority 1 (P1) and 3,000 kilometers under Priority 2 (P2) and Priority 3 (P3). “Control rooms have been established in every district, with 2-3 control rooms in larger districts. Our teams begin operations as early as 3-4 a.m. to ensure roads are cleared promptly,” Manga explained.
The CE MED said the department operates approximately 300 snow clearance machines, including 25 imported units. These imported machines are deployed in areas with challenging terrain, such as Gulmarg and Doodhpathri, where steep roads require specialized equipment.
“These machines are highly efficient, clearing larger volumes of snow quickly. They are essential for high-altitude regions,” he noted.
Manga shared that during recent snowfall, the MED demonstrated its efficiency by clearing 70% of roads within hours. Operations continued round the clock in tourist hotspots like Gulmarg, ensuring smooth travel for visitors. “If tourists face difficulties or get stuck, our teams provide immediate assistance,” he said.
Asked about the delays in the release of funds, despite approved budgets, hinder the department’s ability to procure fuel and repair machinery, he said, “Clearing snow six times over the season for 10,000 kilometers is a costly endeavor. Without timely funding, it becomes difficult to manage operations.
When asked about the manpower shortage, with 300 machines and only 250 operators, and the need to hire additional personnel, the MED Chief said the existing machines are sufficient. However, he noted that additional units would require more manpower, which would increase costs. “Operating 300 to 400 machines daily involves enormous expenses, running into millions of rupees,” he added.
Regarding machinery, Manga explained that older units are being replaced gradually. “We plan to update 4-5 machines annually, replacing irreparable units to improve our response time and efficiency,” he said.
He said that MED’s responsibilities extend beyond snow clearance. Following reorganization, the department now handles electromechanical work for hospitals and other public infrastructure, including gas plants, pipe hygiene systems, and heating systems.
Addressing concerns about bylanes, Manga clarified that MED focuses on main roads, while municipalities handle smaller lanes manually. “Our department’s scope has evolved, but we remain focused on our primary role of maintaining major road connectivity,” he stated.
As Kashmir braces for more snowfall over the next two months, Manga assured that the MED is fully prepared. “We have expert teams, efficient machinery, and a robust system in place to face the challenges ahead,” he said.
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