Rajouri: Deputy Commissioner Rajouri Abhishek Sharma Friday chaired a meeting to review winter preparedness in the district with special focus on snow-bound areas and ensuring uninterrupted essential services during the winter season.
The DC reviewed the status of PMGSY and R&B roads in snow-bound areas. He directed to float tenders for snow clearance well in advance, while stressing the positioning of adequate manpower and machinery for timely operations to avoid road disruptions. The Border Roads Organisation was also directed to make necessary arrangements on roads under its jurisdiction in snow-bound areas, including the National Highway.
The DC further instructed concerned departments to clear blocked drains before the onset of snowfall to prevent water-logging and damage to infrastructure. Directions were also issued to the PHE and Power Development Departments to ensure smooth water and electricity supply throughout the winter.
Regarding fuel and emergency preparedness, the Forest Department was directed to meet the requirement of firewood for people. In addition, departments were instructed to put in place fire emergency arrangements, especially in view of the risk of forest fires.
The DC further emphasized adequate stocking of ration and LPG supplies, particularly in far-flung and snow-bound areas.
The Health Department was directed to maintain an updated list of pregnant women across the district, ensure regular contact through field staff and make adequate arrangements at health centres in remote areas to facilitate institutional deliveries.
To ensure effective coordination, the DC directed ADCs to review winter preparedness in their respective jurisdictions and ask all departments to work in close coordination. He also ordered to establish a control room at the DC Office to enable the public to contact the administration in case of any exigency during the winter season.
The meeting was attended by ADDC Malikzada Sheraz ul Haq; ADC Chander Prakash; Executive Engineer PHE Sudesh Kumar; Assistant Director FCS&CA Rohit Kumar; CMO Manohar Lal Rana; Executive Engineer PMGSY Shahid Choudhary; Executive Engineer Kotranka Mohammad Qasim; representatives from BRO and other district and sectoral officers.