CM reviews winter preparedness

Srinagar, Dec 20: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Saturday chaired a high-level meeting to review the preparedness of the administration in the event of snowfall and likely precipitation spell predicted over the coming weekend.
The meeting focused on assessing the readiness of departments across both Kashmir and Jammu divisions and fine-tuning response mechanisms to ensure minimal disruption to public life.
Addressing the meeting, the Chief Minister observed that winter preparation plans in both divisions are largely on track but stressed that the real test lies in effective implementation on the ground. He noted that while precipitation is expected this weekend, it may not be as widespread as later in the season, providing the administration with a valuable opportunity to refine and strengthen preparedness plans.
“Winter preparedness plans are on pace, but the test of any plan is in its implementation. This expected weather spell gives us time to refine our preparations before the more severe conditions set in,” the Chief Minister said.
Highlighting the core responsibilities of the government during winter, CM Omar Abdullah underlined that the administration would primarily be judged on three critical parameters: timely road clearance, uninterrupted electricity supply and availability of drinking water.
“These three—roads, electricity and water—are the ABC of our winter response. Everything else flows from them. People’s access to hospitals, mobility and daily life depend on how efficiently we manage these,” he asserted, directing all departments across both divisions to accord these sectors the highest priority once snowfall begins.
The Chief Minister stressed the need for a pre-emptive rather than a purely reactive approach. He instructed departments to ensure advance deployment of manpower and machinery wherever required. Referring to presentations made during the meeting, he expressed satisfaction that most preparatory work has been completed, while also flagging certain areas requiring closer attention.
On the power sector, CM Omar Abdullah directed strict monitoring of the availability of transformer oil. Noting that supplies have been increased this year, he cautioned that any reported shortage would likely be due to pilferage which needs to be curbed. He also reviewed the issue of distribution transformer (DT) buffer stock, stressing that its utility depends on timely mobility. Referring to concerns raised by the Deputy Commissioners of Baramulla and Bandipora regarding shortage of vehicles, the Chief Minister directed departments to hire vehicles in the short term wherever necessary for replacing of transformers once damaged.
“The vehicle that goes to remove a damaged DT must also carry the replacement. The idea of buffer stock is to minimise downtime—replace, repair and rotate, not move equipment back and forth unnecessarily,” he emphasised.
On healthcare preparedness, CM Omar Abdullah acknowledged the limited availability of 4×4 ambulances but emphasised optimal utilisation of existing resources.
“Not every area needs a 4×4 ambulance. In some places, ambulances fitted with proper chains are sufficient. The Health Department, in coordination with the Divisional Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners, must ensure that 4×4 ambulances are deployed strictly where they are most needed,” he said.
Reviewing urban preparedness, particularly in Srinagar, the Chief Minister laid emphasis on dewatering arrangements. He directed advance placement of mobile dewatering pumps in known vulnerable areas prone to waterlogging.
“There are spots we know will face waterlogging within an hour of rainfall—such as parts of Airport Road and now even Maulana Azad Road. Since we are not expecting heavy snow in Srinagar, SMC must ensure effective management of waterlogging,” he instructed.
The Chief Minister also raised concerns regarding passenger facilities at Srinagar Airport during weather-related flight disruptions, especially as the bad weather coincides with the onset of the tourist season. He directed the Divisional Commissioner and the Deputy Commissioner to coordinate with airport authorities to ensure better management of basic amenities, particularly sanitation within the terminal.
“We may not control flight disruptions, but we can certainly ensure that the condition of washrooms and overall cleanliness remains manageable when passengers accumulate. This is the least we can do,” he said, asking airport management to augment manpower during such situations.
On helicopter services for remote and snowbound areas, CM Omar Abdullah expressed optimism about early operationalisation of Heli services for areas such as Kupwara and Bandipora.
Turning to Jammu division, the Chief Minister noted that snow preparedness is largely in place but cautioned about the vulnerability of roads that were only temporarily restored after heavy rains in September–October. He stressed the need for heightened vigilance to prevent landslides and ensure swift restoration and establishment of alternate routes in case of damage.
“This is particularly important on NH-44, especially between Nashri and Udhampur, where we faced significant disruption earlier. Any heavy rain should not result in prolonged downtime on the National Highway,” he said.
Concluding his address, CM Omar Abdullah expressed confidence that 24×7 control rooms are operational and capable of handling emergencies. He added that lessons learned from the upcoming weather spell would be incorporated into future preparedness plans to further strengthen the administration’s response.
The meeting was attended by Ministers Sakeena Itoo, Javed Dar and Satish Sharma; Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani; Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta; ACS Power Development Department Shailendra Kumar; ACS Public Works Department Anil Kumar Singh, Administrative Secretaries of the General Administration, Information, Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Disaster Management, Relief & Rehabilitation, Health & Medical Education, Rural Development, Transport and Civil Aviation Departments; all Deputy Commissioners; top police officers including Inspector General of Police Kashmir and IGP Traffic, J&K, Managing Directors of DISCOMs Jammu and Kashmir; Heads of Department, and other concerned officers. The out station officers attended the meeting through video conferencing.
Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar and Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg presented detailed action plans outlining departmental preparedness in view of snow and rain in upper reaches and snowbound areas. The presentations covered snow clearance arrangements, stocking of ration, LPG and other essentials in snowbound regions, power and water supply readiness, healthcare facilities including availability of 4×4 ambulances, helicopter services, and identification and support for pregnant women and other vulnerable patients in areas such as Gurez, Machhil and Karnah, Poonch, Rajouri, Udhampur and Kathua and other regions that remain cut off during heavy snowfall.
The respective Deputy Commissioners also briefed the meeting on the preparations put in place in their respective districts in view of the snowfall and precipitation spell.