Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Nov 19: As the valley braces for sub-zero temperatures, Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) Kashmir, Anshul Garg, on Wednesday said that Kashmir is “fully prepared for the coming winter,” with essential services, supplies and emergency systems firmly in place, even as the region celebrates its centuries-old heritage under the spirit of unity and cultural pride.
Speaking to media persons during the inauguration of World Heritage Week 2025 in Srinagar, Garg said the administration has ensured seamless coordination across departments to guarantee uninterrupted services through the season.
“Our people are seasoned in facing winter, but the administration has also ensured every mechanism, from snow clearance to power restoration, is active and ready,” the Div Com Anshul Garg said.
He said that in far-flung and border districts such as Kupwara and Bandipora, the administration has set up 872 ration dumping sites, each stocked with four months of essential supplies. “Special arrangements have also been made to ensure smooth LPG availability and to maintain road connectivity during snowfall,” he added.
The Div Com said the winter stocking process has been completed in advance across all remote regions, while emergency response teams, snow-clearance machinery and power restoration units stand fully mobilised.
“The Srinagar Integrated Command and Control Centre, along with district control rooms, is functional 24×7 to monitor conditions and coordinate quick response,” he said.
According to him, the people of Kashmir have naturally adapted to the winter challenges over generations. “Their resilience is remarkable and the administration is complementing that spirit with proactive planning and preparedness,” he said.
District administrations, he said, are continuously reviewing local needs to ensure smooth supply chains and uninterrupted services. “Any weather-related disruption will be dealt with swiftly, and all departments have been placed on high alert throughout the season,” he said.
“World Heritage Week is celebrated every year, and the Department of Culture has taken a wonderful initiative. Many students from schools and colleges are participating, and several priceless treasures have been displayed. I encourage everyone to visit from November 19 to 25,” Garg said.
He said such events create a bridge between generations, allowing youth to connect with their identity. “Kashmir has preserved unique civilizational treasures for centuries, whether through Shaivism, Sufism, Buddhism or other influences. Our arts, crafts and music have earned global recognition, and our archaeological sites continue to attract visitors from across the world,” he said.
Highlighting the link between heritage and governance, the Div Com said the administration has intensified efforts over the past four years to revive archaeological sites, restore monuments and document rare manuscripts.
“The Department of Culture is running a major campaign for the revival of heritage sites. Many projects are underway to bring our cultural wealth closer to people and ensure public participation,” he said.
The Divisional Commissioner added that the World Heritage Week is not only a celebration but also “a reflection to reconnect with our roots and recognise the work being done to safeguard them”.
“Understanding where we come from helps shape how we build the future,” he said, underscoring that cultural awareness and civic preparedness are integral to Kashmir’s resilience. (KNO)
