Srinagar, Nov 11: Commissioner Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), Dr. Basharat Qayoom, on Wednesday reviewed the Corporation's winter preparedness, directing officers to ensure round-the-clock readiness for snow clearance, dewatering and uninterrupted civic services.

The review meeting, held at the SMC Central Office, Karan Nagar, assessed the availability of manpower, machinery, snow clearance arrangements and the functioning of field and monitoring teams.
Dr. Basharat directed all concerned wings to keep men and machinery ready for immediate deployment during adverse weather conditions, stressing close coordination and timely response to public grievances.
Reviewing snow clearance arrangements, he directed that major roads and vital routes connecting hospitals, ration depots, shrines and government institutions be cleared on priority. Adequate manpower and equipment must also be deployed for manual clearance in interior lanes, narrow streets, footpaths and areas inaccessible to snow clearance vehicles.
The Commissioner was informed that vehicles sent for repairs had been restored and were ready for deployment. He also reviewed the preparedness of zonal and ward-level teams constituted to respond to weather-related emergencies.
On dewatering arrangements, he directed officials to keep all permanent stations functional and position high-capacity mobile pumps at vulnerable and low-lying areas to prevent waterlogging caused by rainfall and snowmelt.
He further stressed the effective functioning of the Snow Monitoring Committee and the 24×7 Control Room, directing them to remain in constant contact with field teams and ensure prompt resolution of complaints regarding snow accumulation, blocked roads and waterlogging.
Emphasising accountability and field supervision, Dr. Basharat directed officers to maintain vigilance throughout the winter season and ensure that no delay occurs in mobilising resources during emergencies.
Senior officers from various SMC wings attended the meeting.