Owais Gul
Srinagar, Nov 9: The Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday directed the officials not to let the people suffer in winters as dry weather has added to challenges.
He asked the officers to ensure adequate electricity and keep the men and machinery ready to tackle any situation.
The directions were passed in a meeting chaired by the Chief Minister Omer Abdullah at Civil Secretariat here.
The arrangements for the winter preparedness were reviewed in which the strict directions were passed to the departments.
Sources told that the officials were asked not to let the people suffer in the winters and address the challenges left by the dry weather in the Valley.
The issue of adequate electricity and water supply amidst the low precipitation and low water level in river Jhelum and other streams, besides the road clearance after snowfall were discussed threadbare. The directions were also passed to keep adequate stock of ration and other things available for the winters.
“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,” the Chief Minister said.
Chief Minister has further directed for assured helicopter service in cut-off areas and making helicopter services financially viable for operators.
To deal with challenges of winter effectively, Chief Minister directed equipping hospitals, adherence to power supply schedules, filling up of vacant posts in remote areas and taking timely action to safeguard public health, and safety during the harsh winter months ahead.
Pertinently, the meeting was attended by Advisor to CM, Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary J&K, Atal Dulloo, Principal Secretary Finance department, Additional Chief Secretary to Chief Minister, Principal Secretary Home Department, Financial Commissioner Jal Shakti department, Commissioner Secretary General Administration Department, Commissioner Secretary Housing & Urban Development Department, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, ADGP Fire and Emergency Service, IGP Kashmir, Administrative Secretary Health and Medical Education department, Administrative Secretary (R&B), Administrative Secretary Rural Development Department, Administrative Secretary of Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs and all Deputy Commissioners through video conference.
