In order to ensure smooth and uninterrupted delivery of essential services and functioning of vital installations across Kashmir division, Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Choudhary today chaired a high-level meeting to review overall functioning and preparedness of Mechanical and Hospital Engineering department (M&HE).

During the meeting, the Deputy CM held detailed deliberations on challenges posed by harsh winter conditions, particularly in the snow-bound zones of Kashmir Valley and high regions of Jammu division.

While assessing the preparedness for the anticipated heavy snowfall, the Deputy CM directed the department to deploy high-tech machinery, underscoring the importance of prompt response in snow-affected regions to maintain seamless mobility and public safety.

He asked for prompt efforts like enhanced coordination between departments, and preparing public advisories for citizens to ensure their safety. “Timely advisories should be issued to the public regarding safety measures, including avoiding unnecessary travel to higher reaches during heavy snowfall, “he added.

Choudhary also directed to safeguard infrastructure and ensure essential services like power, water, and road connectivity remain functional. He emphasised the need for a robust mechanism to minimize public inconvenience during severe weather conditions.

Deputy CM asked the officials to prioritise timely and effective responses to weather-related challenges, stressing on the importance of keeping men and machinery in a state of readiness to ensure the routine functioning of essential installations.

He instructed the concerned authorities to focus on clearing key routes, including inter-district highways and roads leading to hospitals, power grids, water supply systems, fire and emergency services.