Srinagar, Nov 12: The Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) has stepped up its winter preparedness by establishing a 24-hour snow clearance control room and deploying 55 machines to ensure timely clearance of roads and uninterrupted access to essential services during snowfall.

The corporation has kept 43 tractors fitted with snow ploughs, 10 JCBs/loaders and two skid-steer machines ready for snow clearance operations across Srinagar.
Joint Commissioner Syed Abul Qasim has been designated as the overall nodal officer to coordinate and monitor the operations, while Joint Commissioner (Administration) Nuzhat Khurshid Qurashi will oversee the round-the-clock control room.
SMC has also directed that its public helpline numbers 0194-2470465 and 0194-2474499 remain fully operational to address public grievances and emergency requests.
All 35 ward officers have been tasked with submitting daily reports on snow clearance in their respective areas, covering roads, lanes, by-lanes, hospitals, ration depots, water supply stations and electricity installations.
The Mechanical Wing has been directed to keep all snow clearance machinery operational, with workshop teams available round-the-clock for emergency repairs. Three water tankers will also remain available for de-icing operations.
Meanwhile, the Sanitation Wing will mobilise manpower and machinery to clear snow from footpaths, pavements, hospitals, religious places, government offices and other vital installations.
The Drainage Wing has been instructed to ensure the functioning of all 104 permanent dewatering stations and 281 mobile pump units, besides maintaining adequate diesel stocks to tackle waterlogging and other eventualities during snowfall.
SMC will also make available the contact details of officers and officials associated with snow clearance operations through its official website and local media.
Zonal officers have been directed to establish control rooms and submit hourly progress reports to ensure effective coordination, monitoring and prompt response during snowfall.
The corporation said the arrangements are aimed at ensuring public convenience, maintaining essential services and minimising disruption during the winter season.