Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Jan 27: The Jammu and Kashmir government has initiated departmental proceedings and placed five engineers of the Public Works (R&B) Department under suspension after reports of unauthorised absence from duty and delays in snow clearance operations.
The action follows a stern directive from the Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary during a review meeting at the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC), Srinagar.
According to an official communication issued by the Public Works (R&B) Department, Government of Jammu and Kashmir, Assistant Engineer Er Sandeep Vaishnavi of the Machinery Division, Srinagar, was found absent from duty during the Deputy CM’s visit. This led to the administrative action.
The communication states that complaints were received from elected representatives and public delegations from areas including Shopian, Anantnag, Imam Sahib, Tangmarg and Zainapora, alleging poor response and delays in snow clearance that hampered road connectivity and essential services.
In response, the Deputy CM directed that the officials be placed under suspension and their duties reassigned. These officials include Er Noor Din, AEE, PW(R&B) Sub-Division Imam Sahib, Zainapora Division; Er Shabir Ahmad Ganie, AEE, Mechanical & Hospital Division, Tangmarg; Er Nasir, AE, Mechanical & Hospital Division, Anantnag (Sub Division-II); Er Sandeep Vaishnavi, AE (PM Package), Machinery Division Srinagar; and Er Ramiz, JE, Mechanical & Hospital Division, Zainapora, Sub-Division Imam Sahib.
The communique also sought inputs from the Chief Engineer, M&HD Kashmir, by January 27 to proceed further in the matter.
Kashmir witnessed heavy snowfall and strong winds this week, disrupting road, air and power connectivity across the Valley.
The Deputy Chief Minister recently directed departments to ensure swift snow clearance and warned that any lapse would invite strict action.
