Commissioner SMC reviews winter preparedness

Srinagar, Nov 11: Commissioner, Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), Dr. Basharat Qayoom, Wednesday reviewed the Corporation’s preparedness for the prevailing weather forecast and took stock of the follow-up action on directions issued during the previous review meeting.
The meeting, held at the SMC Central Office, Karan Nagar, focused on the availability of men and machinery, snow clearance arrangements and the functioning of field and monitoring teams.
The meeting was attended by Joint Commissioner, Works, Joint Commissioner, H&S, Chief Accounts Officer, Superintending Engineer, Executive Engineers of various wings, Purchase and Procurement Officer, Chief Sanitation Officer, Stores Officer and other concerned officers.
Reviewing the arrangements across the city, the Commissioner directed all concerned officers to ensure that field teams, machinery and essential equipment remain available for immediate response to any situation arising from adverse weather conditions. He stressed the need for close coordination among the concerned wings so that issues on the ground are addressed without delay.
With regard to snow clearance, Dr. Basharat directed that both manual and mechanised arrangements be maintained across all municipal wards. Major roads and important public routes are to be cleared on priority, particularly those connecting hospitals, ration depots, shrines and government institutions. He also called for adequate manpower to undertake manual clearance in interior lanes, narrow streets, footpaths and areas inaccessible to snow clearance vehicles.
The Commissioner took stock of the SMC snow clearance fleet and was informed that vehicles which had been sent for repairs have now been repaired and are ready for deployment. He directed that all available vehicles and machinery, along with the required manpower, be kept ready to respond to snowfall as and when required.
It was also informed that zonal-level and ward-level teams have been constituted and are ready to attend to situations arising from adverse weather. The Commissioner stressed that these teams must remain in touch with their respective officers and monitoring mechanisms to ensure timely intervention at the ground level.
Reviewing dewatering arrangements, he directed that all permanent dewatering stations be kept functional and that high-capacity mobile pumps be positioned at vulnerable and low-lying locations to deal with waterlogging caused by rainfall and snowmelt.
The Commissioner also stressed the need for effective functioning of the Snow Monitoring Committee and the 24×7 Control Room. He directed both to maintain regular contact with field teams and ensure that complaints relating to snow accumulation, blocked roads and waterlogging are immediately conveyed to the concerned officers for necessary action.
Dr. Basharat called upon the officers to maintain close field supervision and ensure that no delay occurs in mobilising resources wherever required. He stressed that preparedness must be reflected in actual field arrangements, with clear coordination and accountability at every level.
The Commissioner directed all concerned wings to remain vigilant and ensure that the arrangements are maintained throughout the winter season, with particular focus on timely snow clearance, effective dewatering and uninterrupted civic services. He underscored that a coordinated and prompt response would be essential to minimise public inconvenience during adverse weather conditions.