Winter in Kashmir is not merely a change of season but a test of governance, infrastructure and public preparedness. Heavy snowfall, freezing temperatures and frequent road closures often disrupt daily life, particularly in remote and snowbound areas. Against this backdrop, the winter preparedness review chaired by Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, is both timely and necessary. The administration’s focus on snow clearance, uninterrupted power and water supply, healthcare facilities, essential commodities and emergency transportation reflects an understanding of the challenges ahead. Clear demarcation of responsibilities among road-clearing agencies, adequate deployment of machinery and timely completion of pending contracts are essential to prevent roads from remaining inaccessible after snowfall. Equally important is the power situation. With winter demand exceeding average supply and occasionally touching 2,400 MW, strengthening repair mechanisms, maintaining transformer stocks and adhering to scheduled curtailments must remain priorities. Advance stocking of food, LPG and petroleum products in remote areas such as Gurez, Karnah, Machil and Keran is equally crucial. Healthcare preparedness deserves particular attention. Identifying expectant mothers and critically ill patients in vulnerable areas and arranging their timely evacuation before heavy snowfall can save precious lives. The availability of 4×4 ambulances and adequately heated hospitals must be ensured. However, preparedness cannot remain confined to meetings, directions and assurances. Its real measure lies in implementation, accountability and timely response. Functional control rooms, accessible grievance mechanisms and accurate weather advisories must translate into tangible relief for citizens. Kashmir’s winter challenges are predictable, and therefore preventable to a considerable extent. The administration must act before the first heavy snowfall rather than respond after disruptions occur. Ultimately, successful winter preparedness will be judged not by the number of orders issued, but by how safely and comfortably people endure the harshest months of the year.
Your brain is listening: Why negative self-talk can quietly destroy confidence
Dr. Reyaz Ahmad There is a dangerous habit many people practice every day without realizing its cost. It looks harmless,...
