Snow forecast: DC Srinagar reviews preparedness

Srinagar: In view of the inclement weather forecast for the latter part of this week, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, chaired a meeting of heads of different departments to review the preparedness in the district.
The meeting discussed zone-wise action plans prepared by the concerned departments to prevent interruption to services during snowfall. The DC, while hailing their efforts during the last snowfall in the district, asked the concerned departments to ensure even faster response to the inclement weather forecast for the coming days.
It was informed that both MED and the SMC are geared up for the challenge with the former having 23 snowplows and the latter with over 4000 personnel and 22 JCBs and 2 skid-steers at their disposal for snow-clearance on the main roads and pedestrian lanes across the Srinagar city.
The meeting was also informed that all 80 dewatering stations and 115 mobile pumping stations in the Srinagar city are operational and that all concerned personnel have been sensitized. It was said the F&ES department has also kept some of its pool of fire tenders and portable fire pumps available for water-logging exigencies in case there is a need.
The DC directed for ensuring that snow clearance machines are positioned at all critical spots and that these are pressed into service as soon as snow starts to accumulate. He stressed on prioritising snow-clearance from roads leading to all important installations across the district. The R&B was asked to work in close coordination with the SMC.
Dr Shah instructed for ensuring quick draining-out of water-logged areas including all interior roads and lanes.
He directed all the concerned departments to be in a state of preparedness and responsive to any crisis thrown up anywhere in the district.
The meeting was informed that all the departments have established control rooms for the general public to report their concerns.
ADC Srinagar and senior officers from MED, R&B, SMC, PDD, I&FC, PHE, F&ES and UEED attended the meeting.