Divisional Commissioner Kashmir on Wednesday said that around 70 percent of the valley roads are cleared of the snow and that there is sufficient stock of ration, petroleum and LPG products in the region.
Parts of Kashmir valley received widespread snowfall during the intervening night of Tuesday and Wednesday, leading to the disruption of normal life affecting surface and air connectivity.
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Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, P K Pole said that there was a swift response to the natural calamity as men and machinery were pressed overnight as soon as the snow started accumulating. However the continuous snowfall led to the disruptions also. “Control rooms were set in motion, and the priority for road clearance, especially the ones leading to the hospitals, health institutions was given. However, continuous snowfall kept on disrupting the process,”.
He further added that a stretch of around 5400 kms of roads managed by Mechanical Engineering Department (MED) in the valley of which 70 percent has been cleared of snow, while as of 8000 kms road stretch managed by PWD, 75 percent is through for the traffic movement. “National Highway from Banihal to Baramulla stands cleared of snow and is through for traffic,”
The Div Com further said that around 2400 PHE water supply schemes, 95 percent have been made operational across the valley.
Regarding the power scenario, Div Com said that 20 to 25 percent power lines have been affected due to snowfall.He assured that the maximum amount of electricity will be restored by Wednesday evening, while the damages to some electricity towers is being looked at and their restoration and maintenance is being taken up.“
With strength of around 1025 feeders, around 850 feeders will be charged by Wednesday evening,” Div Com Kashmir added.
Pole further said that there is no dearth of any essentials in the valley as stock of ration, LPG and other petroleum products is available in the valley. The authorities further added that the process of clearing of snow is on and all lanes and bylanes will be cleared of snow soon.
Div Com further informed that no casualty due to the snow has been reported till now however he added that there are reports that few Shikaras and a houseboat has submerged
.Div Com further informed that all the hospitals are functional while entire medical and paramedics staff is available in hospitals to render their duties and services. He said all essential services are being restored on priority and on a war footing basis.
Pole further said that teams from FCS&CA, Legal Metrology Department are already in process of checking the markets for illegal profiteering or black marketing as they have been directed to keep a strong vigil.
“In case if anyone is found involved in illegal profiteering or black-marketing he will be strictly dealt with under the relevant laws”, Div Com Kashmir added.
The Div Com appealed to the general people to keep patience and support the administration to restore affected services. He also appealed to people not to park their vehicles on the road sides so that the Mechanical Engineering Department, PWD, SMC and other departments will not face any hindrance during snow clearance.
Besides, he further appealed to people not to throw snow off their lawns on the streets or lanes as it creates difficulties for the people and snow clearing teams.