Srinagar, Nov 12 (KNO): With preparations underway to tackle snowfall in Srinagar, the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) has established a 24x7 snow clearance control room and directed its officers to ensure round-the-clock preparedness, timely clearance of roads and uninterrupted access to essential services.
As per the details available with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), SMC has kept a fleet of 43 tractors fitted with snow ploughs, 10 JCBs/loaders and two skid-steer machines ready for snow clearance operations across the city.
The corporation has designated Joint Commissioner Syed Abul Qasim as the overall nodal officer to coordinate and monitor snow clearance operations, while Joint Commissioner (Administration) Nuzhat Khurshid Qurashi will oversee the 24-hour control room.
The SMC has also directed that its helpline numbers 0194-2470465 and 0194-2474499 remain fully functional to address public grievances.
An official told KNO that all 35 ward officers have been tasked with submitting daily reports on snow clearance in their respective jurisdictions, covering roads, lanes, by-lanes, hospitals, ration depots, water supply stations and electricity installations. “The Mechanical Wing has been directed to keep snow clearance machinery operational, with workshop teams available round-the-clock in case of emergencies. Three water tankers will also remain available for de-icing operations,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Sanitation Wing will mobilise manpower and machinery to clear snow from footpaths, pavements, hospitals, religious places, government offices and other vital installations, he said.
The SMC has further directed the Drainage Wing to ensure the functioning of all 104 permanent dewatering stations and 281 mobile pump units, with adequate diesel stocks to deal with waterlogging and other eventualities during snowfall.
The contact details of officers and officials associated with snow clearance operations will also be made available on the corporation's official website and through local media for public convenience. The order further directs zonal officers to establish control rooms and submit hourly progress reports to ensure effective coordination and speedy response during snowfall.—(KNO)