After eagerly anticipated snowfall in the picturesque Kashmir Valley for three consecutive days, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, the Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) Kashmir, undertook a comprehensive review of the post-snowfall scenario across all districts. The focus was on assessing snow clearance efforts on main roads, inner links, and routes leading to significant installations and tourist destinations.
Expressing concern over the recent Boniyar accident that claimed lives and caused injuries, the Div Com directed District Commissioners to take strict action against overloading and promptly address potholes to prevent future accidents.
He emphasized the need to ensure the safety of residents and visitors alike.
During the review, essential supplies, services, power, and water supply situations were scrutinized, particularly in remote areas such as Sonmarg, Gurez, Tangdhar, and Karnah. The status of healthcare facilities in hospitals was also assessed.
District heads reported that major roads had been cleared of snow, with inner links set to be cleared by Thursday evening. They assured the Div Com that power supply was generally smooth, and any outages would be restored by the evening. Additionally, essential services and water supply were reported to be functioning seamlessly.
Simultaneously, a meeting was convened to evaluate the progress on Transit Accommodation for employees under the Prime Minister’s Package. Attendees included officials from PWD (R&B) central Kashmir, North and South Kashmir Chief Engineers, Deputy Commissioners from all districts, and Commissioner (M) Relief and Rehabilitation J&K.
The meeting addressed the status of transit accommodations at various locations, and the Div Com obtained detailed information on the completion and handover of accommodation blocks. The deadline for completion was set for March, June, and September, with a directive to ensure timely completion.
Concerns were raised regarding the security of some accommodations lacking boundary walls. The Div Com instructed the erection of temporary walls in cases where funds were pending and the construction of boundary walls where funds had been allocated.
Further discussion involved the review of various projects by the PWD (R&B) department. Some projects were near completion, while others faced delays due to insufficient funds. The Div Com urged the concerned authorities to finish ongoing projects by March 2024 and complete any pending work within stipulated timelines.
