Sakeena conducts comprehensive assessment of winter preparedness across south Kashmir districts

Jammu, Nov 25: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo Tuesday conducted a comprehensive assessment of winter preparedness of various departments across South Kashmir districts of Anantnag, Kulgam, Pulwama and Shopian, in a virtual meeting held at Civil Secretariat here.
During the meeting, Minister Sakeena directed the officers of concerned districts to ensure that essential services and supplies are in place well before the peak winter season sets in. She emphasized on the importance of advance stocking of medicines, ration and other critical supplies, especially in remote and heavy snow prone areas to avoid any disruption during harsh weather conditions. She called for coordinated efforts between civil administration, health authorities, and public works departments to secure uninterrupted mobility and healthcare access for residents.
The Minister also underscored that people living in far-flung pockets must not face any hardship due to delayed supplies or administrative gaps. “Winter preparedness is not merely a routine exercise, it is commitment to public safety and well-being”, she asserted.
Sakeena Itoo instructed the officers to maintain buffer stocks, activate control rooms, and keep rapid-response teams on standby. She also stressed on the need for regular monitoring to ensure the availability of essential drugs, ambulance services, and functional health centres throughout the winter period.
She urged departments to identify vulnerable habitations and prioritize them for supply mobilization, particularly in higher reaches that often remain cut off for extended periods due to heavy snowfall.
During the meeting, the officers of concerned districts briefed the Minister about the winter preparedness plan of their respective districts. They assured the Minister that the winter arrangements have been fully stabilized and any exigency due to weather eventuality will be addressed promptly.