Srinagar, Dec 20: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday chaired a high-level meeting to review the preparedness of the administration in the event of snowfall and a likely precipitation spell predicted over the coming weekend.
The meeting focused on assessing the readiness of departments across both Kashmir and Jammu divisions and fine-tuning response mechanisms to ensure minimal disruption to public life.
Addressing the meeting, CM Omar said that winter preparation plans in both divisions were largely on track but stressed that the real test lies in effective implementation on the ground.
He said that while precipitation was expected this weekend, it might not be as widespread as later in the season, providing the administration with a valuable opportunity to refine and strengthen preparedness plans.
“Winter preparedness plans are on pace, but the test of any plan is in its implementation. This expected weather spell gives us time to refine our preparations before the more severe conditions set in,” the CM said.
Highlighting the core responsibilities of the government during winter, he said that the administration would primarily be judged on three critical parameters – timely road clearance, uninterrupted electricity supply, and availability of drinking water.
“These three – roads, electricity, and water – are the ABC of our winter response. Everything else flows from them. People’s access to hospitals, mobility, and daily life depend on how efficiently we manage these,” CM Omar said, directing all departments across both divisions to accord these sectors the highest priority once snowfall begins.
He stressed the need for a pre-emptive rather than a purely reactive approach.
The CM instructed departments to ensure the advance deployment of manpower and machinery wherever required.
Referring to presentations made during the meeting, he expressed satisfaction that most preparatory work had been completed, while also flagging certain areas requiring closer attention.
In the power sector, CM Omar directed strict monitoring of the availability of transformer oil.
Noting that supplies had been increased this year, he cautioned that any reported shortage would likely be due to pilferage, which needs to be curbed.
The CM also reviewed the issue of Distribution Transformer (DT) buffer stock, stressing that their utility depends on timely mobility.
Referring to concerns raised by the Deputy Commissioners (DCs) of Baramulla and Bandipora regarding the shortage of vehicles, he directed departments to hire vehicles in the short term wherever necessary for replacing of transformers once damaged.
“The vehicle that goes to remove a damaged DT must also carry the replacement. The idea of buffer stock is to minimise downtime – replace, repair, and rotate, not move equipment back and forth unnecessarily,” CM Omar said.
On healthcare preparedness, he acknowledged the limited availability of 4×4 ambulances but emphasised optimal utilisation of existing resources.
“Not every area needs a 4×4 ambulance. In some places, ambulances fitted with proper chains are sufficient. The Health Department, in coordination with the Divisional Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners, must ensure that 4×4 ambulances are deployed strictly where they are most needed,” the CM said.
Reviewing urban preparedness, particularly in Srinagar, he laid emphasis on dewatering arrangements.
CM Omar directed the advance placement of mobile dewatering pumps in known vulnerable areas prone to waterlogging.
“There are spots we know will face waterlogging within an hour of rainfall, like parts of Airport Road and now even Maulana Azad Road. Since we are not expecting heavy snow in Srinagar, SMC must ensure effective management of waterlogging,” he said.
The CM also raised concerns regarding passenger facilities at Srinagar Airport during weather-related flight disruptions, especially as the bad weather coincides with the onset of the tourist season.
He directed the Divisional Commissioner and the Deputy Commissioner to coordinate with airport authorities to ensure better management of basic amenities, particularly sanitation within the terminal.
“We may not control flight disruptions, but we can certainly ensure that the condition of washrooms and overall cleanliness remains manageable when passengers accumulate. This is the least we can do,” CM Omar said, asking airport management to augment manpower during such situations.
On helicopter services for remote and snowbound areas, he expressed optimism about the early operationalisation of heli services for areas like Kupwara and Bandipora.
Turning to the Jammu division, the CM said that snow preparedness was largely in place but cautioned about the vulnerability of roads that were only temporarily restored after heavy rains in September-October.
He stressed the need for heightened vigilance to prevent landslides and ensure swift restoration and establishment of alternate routes in case of damage.
“This is particularly important on NH-44, especially between Nashri and Udhampur, where we faced significant disruption earlier. Any heavy rain should not result in prolonged downtime on the National Highway,” CM Omar said.
He expressed confidence that 24/7 control rooms are operational and capable of handling emergencies.
The CM said that lessons learned from the upcoming weather spell would be incorporated into future preparedness plans to further strengthen the administration’s response.
Ministers Sakina Itoo, Javed Dar and Satish Sharma; Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani; Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta; ACS Power Development Department Shailendra Kumar; ACS Public Works Department Anil Kumar Singh, Administrative Secretaries of the General Administration, Information, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Disaster Management, Relief & Rehabilitation, Health and Medical Education, Rural Development, Transport and Civil Aviation Departments; all Deputy Commissioners; top police officers including Inspector General of Police Kashmir and IGP Traffic, J&K, Managing Directors of DISCOMs Jammu and Kashmir; Heads of Department, and other concerned officers attended the meeting.
The out station officers attended the meeting through video conferencing.
Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Ramesh Kumar and Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Anshul Garg, presented detailed action plans outlining departmental preparedness in view of snow and rain in upper reaches and snowbound areas.
The presentations covered snow clearance arrangements, stocking of ration, LPG, and other essentials in snowbound regions, power and water supply readiness, healthcare facilities including availability of 4×4 ambulances, helicopter services, and identification and support for pregnant women and other vulnerable patients in areas like Gurez, Machhil, Karnah, Poonch, Rajouri, Udhampur, Kathua, and other regions that remain cut off during heavy snowfall.
The respective Deputy Commissioners also briefed the meeting on the preparations put in place in their respective districts in view of the snowfall and precipitation spell.