SRINAGAR:The J&K Administration has greatly improved its machinery and other related equipment, according to advisor to Lieutenant Governor Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, which will ensure a significant improvement over previous years in addressing snow clearance and other critical winter-related challenges. The Advisor made these remarks at the Civil Secretariat here while presiding over a high-level meeting to assess the Public Works (R&B) department, NHAI, BEACON, Project SAMPARK, and other sister agencies’ readiness for the winter.Shailendra Kumar, the Principal Secretary of the Public Works (R&B) department, Commissioner SMC Athar Amir, Chief Engineers of the Mechanical and Hospital Engineering department, PMGSY, Project SAMPARK, Chief Engineer Beacon, RO NHAI, Jammu/Kashmir, Executive Director, NHIDCL, and other relevant officers attended the meeting in person and via video conference. Speaking to the officers, Advisor Bhatnagar stated that this department plays a vital role in guaranteeing the safety and convenience of inhabitants during this season by maintaining vital infrastructure, road networks, and mechanical systems.According to the advisor, the J&K government has made improvements to its machinery and other related equipment in comparison to previous years. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that the machinery is available at the right areas and can be used promptly during the next winters. In order to avoid any unexpected situations brought on by erratic snowfall, Advisor Bhatnagar emphasised the importance of maintaining continuous road access throughout the winter and instructed the officers to set up snow removal equipment and machines well in advance in hospitals and other key locations. Additionally, the advisor highlighted to the road agency officers the necessity of cooperation and synergy in order to provide the public with better services. In order to ensure prompt deployment, he also instructed the officers to acquire the required equipment by the end of October. Advisor Bhatnagar urged the staff to stay in constant communication while going over additional departmental and agency actions. He emphasised the need for cross-sectoral and cross-departmental communication in handling any type of emergency. In order to improve any services on time, he also requested that they perform a dry run of the current communication network system in conjunction with other departments. Advisor Bhatnagar also instructed the involved officers to take a careful approach to meeting the needs of the general population, especially those residing in areas that are snowbound and in danger. He requested that the cops respond to the public’s sincere concerns in order to handle any potential problems that may arise throughout the winter. In order to maintain access to emergency medical care, police support, and emergency transportation, the advisor also requested that the officers place sufficient equipment in hospitals and on the roads that led to them. The concerned Chief Engineers and the raid agency officials presented in-depth information about their respective agencies’ plans of action for the snow clearance operations at the meeting.
