Arshad Farooq
Baramulla, Nov 14: In preparation for the upcoming winter season, the Baramulla district administration is taking comprehensive measures to address challenges posed by snowfall, power outages, and food security during the cold months.
DC Baramulla, Minga Sherpa, stated that a series of actions have been outlined to ensure the public remains safe and comfortable throughout the winter.
“The Mechanical Engineering Department has finalized its snow clearance plan, with machinery and manpower in place. Snow clearing operations are expected to be carried out promptly, with contracts for snow clearance already awarded. However, a few contracts remain under retendering due to non-responsiveness,” he said.
Regarding food security, he said that the district administration is working on stocking food grains in advance.
“As per the plan, stocking will be completed by tomorrow, November 15, with particular focus on the Pahari area, where supplies are being stored at PDA shops to ensure accessibility for residents,” he said.
The power sector, which is always a major concern during winter, is also being closely monitored, he noted.
The Power Department oversees three subdivisions across the district, and work is currently underway to clear tree branches to ensure uninterrupted power lines.
“The department aims to complete this work by the third week of November. In addition, preparations include the procurement of essential spares such as transformer oil, conductors, and wires, with stock being sourced from the KPT cell and the district administration’s own purchases,” he said.
“For maintaining power stability in remote areas, timber for mast installations is being stockpiled. The main depot in Pattan has already begun the process of storing timber, and the district’s Divisional Forest Officers (DFOs) have been directed to ensure a steady supply to all divisions in line with government instructions,” he added.