Srinagar: Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) Commissioner Dr. Basharat Qayoom reviewed the Corporation’s winter preparedness and directed field teams to remain alert and ensure a swift response to any situation arising from adverse weather conditions.
The review meeting, held at the SMC Central Office, Karan Nagar, assessed the availability of manpower and machinery, snow clearance arrangements, dewatering facilities and the functioning of field and monitoring teams.
The meeting was attended by Joint Commissioners (Works) and (H&S), Chief Accounts Officer, Superintending Engineer, Executive Engineers of various wings and other concerned officers.
The Commissioner directed all concerned departments to keep field teams, machinery and essential equipment ready for immediate deployment. He stressed the need for close coordination among different wings to ensure timely response to public grievances.
Reviewing snow clearance arrangements, Dr. Basharat directed that both manual and mechanised measures be put in place across all municipal wards. Major roads and important public routes connecting hospitals, ration depots, shrines and government institutions should be cleared on priority.
He also stressed the need for adequate manpower to clear interior lanes, narrow streets, footpaths and areas inaccessible to snow clearance vehicles.
The Commissioner was informed that vehicles sent for repairs had been restored and were ready for deployment. He directed that all available machinery and manpower remain on standby to deal with snowfall.
He was further informed that zonal- and ward-level teams had been constituted to respond to weather-related situations.
Reviewing dewatering arrangements, Dr. Basharat directed officials to ensure that all permanent dewatering stations remain functional and high-capacity mobile pumps are positioned at vulnerable and low-lying areas to tackle waterlogging caused by rainfall and snowmelt.
He also stressed the effective functioning of the Snow Monitoring Committee and the 24×7 Control Room, directing them to maintain regular contact with field teams and ensure immediate action on complaints related to snow accumulation, blocked roads and waterlogging.
Calling for close field supervision and accountability, the Commissioner directed all concerned wings to maintain preparedness throughout the winter season, with special focus on timely snow clearance, effective dewatering and uninterrupted civic services.
SMC Reviews Winter Preparedness, Directs Teams to Stay Alert
