Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Nov 9: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, while chairing a high-level meeting at the Civil Secretariat today to review winter preparedness for the 2024-25 season in Kashmir valley and winter zones of Jammu division, underscored the critical importance of effective execution.
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“Plans have been announced, but execution is now crucial. Our preparations will truly be tested with the first snowfall. The prolonged dry spell is already creating challenges of depleted water levels and reduced power generation due to decrease in water flow,” the Chief Minister said.
“The credibility of the Government rests on us; once plans are announced, effective implementation becomes paramount,” he said.
The meeting was attended by Advisor to the Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary Jal Shakti Shaleen Kabra, Additional Chief Secretary to Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, along with all administrative Secretaries, Divisional Commissioners of Kashmir and Jammu, senior police and security officials, Deputy Commissioners, and BRO officers.
Officers from Jammu and other district headquarters participated via video conferencing.
During the meeting, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir presented a comprehensive briefing on the winter preparedness measures already in place across the Kashmir division.
Giving details of key components of the winter action plan, the meeting was informed that snow clearance and maintenance of inter-district highways, district roads, town roads have been prioritized and focus would be on ensuring essential services and functioning of hospitals, PHE supply, grid stations, and Fire & Emergency Services.
The Chief Minister was informed that all necessary machinery is in place with personnel ready to operate them efficiently.
In regions such as Gurez in Bandipora and parts of Kupwara, where winter access is limited, sufficient fuel supplies have been pre-stocked. The Srinagar Municipal Corporation and other Urban Local Bodies have geared up for dewatering activities, with pumps set and ready. Essential winter stockpiles, including food grains, fuel, HSD for generators, and repaired distribution transformers, are in position. Additionally, subsidized helicopter services are available for snowbound areas across Jammu and Kashmir to meet emergency and medical needs.
Medical facilities have been equipped with adequate medicines, oxygen cylinders, and firewood, with duty rosters issued for hospitals through March 2025.
Control rooms have been established at divisional, district, and departmental levels to ensure coordination and swift response throughout the winter season.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today reaffirmed his commitment to the welfare of Ganderbal’s residents, pledging continuous support and timely action on their concerns.
He stated this while holding a public meeting at Dak Bangalow Ganderbal to directly engage with residents of the Ganderbal to address local concerns.
Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal Shyambir, along with other senior officials were present to take note of the issues raised by the delegations. Numerous delegations from different areas of Ganderbal presented their pressing issues to the Chief Minister, seeking his intervention for timely redressal.
Delegation from Shallabugh demanded establishment of a fire service facility and upgradation of the high school, development of a playfield at Gund Roshan, for which a large tract of land is available, reinforcement of the nallah bank from the Jehlum side at Lati Gund Roshan, creation of a development block, addressing staff shortage at the PHC Batwina, and upgrading of health sub-centre.
Other delegations requested dredging and desilting of the Duderhama Nallah, development of play ground in Tullamulla, construction of a community hall in Wurpash, and the relocation of the Mechanical Sub-Division from Kakasarai to Ganderbal.
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