Over 34 snow clearance machines put on standby in Baramulla

Baramulla, Dec 18: Administration here in North Kashmir’s Baramulla District has put its men and machinery on alert as the Valley braces for a wet spell with light to moderate rain and snow forecast between December 20 and 22.
Officials said that over 34 snow-clearance machines of the Mechanical Engineering Department have been kept ready in Baramulla district. “Truck-mounted snow ploughs number around 13, while 15 tractor-mounted machines have been positioned to clear narrow and interior roads across various sectors of the district,” they added.
“Out of the 13 truck-mounted machines, one has been shifted to the Watergam unit, three to Kreeri and two to Sopore, with the remaining kept at the Baramulla control room to cater to its jurisdiction,” officials said, adding, “Similarly, three snow cats have been moved to the Watergam control unit, while two each have been stationed at Kreeri and Sopore, to ensure swift response in upper-reach and difficult terrain areas.”
Assistant Executive Engineer Tanveer Ahmed of the Mechanical Department said the department is fully prepared to deal with any eventuality in case of snowfall, asserting that all machines and field staff have been placed on standby. “Control rooms will remain functional to respond to snow-related emergencies in coordination with civil and police administration,” he added.
Meanwhile, authorities have urged residents not to park vehicles along road sides, saying haphazard parking hampers snow-clearance operations and may delay restoration of traffic during snowfall.
The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) Baramulla has issued a weather advisory, asking people, especially those living in vulnerable and slope-side areas, to avoid unnecessary travel until conditions improve.
People have been advised to contact the District Emergency Operation Centre Baramulla, Emergency Response Support System in Srinagar and Police Control Room Baramulla for any emergency during the advisory period, with the DEOC landline 01952 234343, WhatsApp numbers 7006493646 and 7006921302, ERSS helpline 112 and police control room 9596767768. (KNO)