Srinagar, Jan 27: The Government on Tuesday sought initiation of departmental proceedings against several officers and officials of the Public Works (R&B) Department for alleged lapses in snow clearance operations and unauthorized absence from duty, which reportedly hampered road connectivity and essential services across parts of the Kashmir Division.

As per an official order issued by the Public Works (R&B) Department, the issue surfaced following a review during the visit of Deputy Chief Minister, J&K, to the Integrated Command & Control Centre (ICCC), Srinagar, on January 25.
During the visit, an Assistant Engineer of the Machinery Division, Srinagar, was found absent from duty.
The order reads that public representatives and delegations from several areas including Shopian, Anantnag, Imam Sahib, Tangmarg and Zainapora complained that some PW(R&B) officials failed to perform their responsibilities in a timely and effective manner.
“These shortcomings resulted in delays in snow clearance and caused disruption to road links and essential services, leading to inconvenience for the general public,” it said.
Taking serious cognizance of the matter, the Deputy Chief Minister directed that the erring officers and officials be placed under suspension and that their duties be reassigned to other officers as per administrative requirements.
Meanwhile, the Chief Engineers of PW(R&B) South Kashmir and Mechanical & Hospital Division Kashmir have been asked to submit their remarks and inputs within the stipulated time to enable the government to proceed further with disciplinary action.