Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Vikas Kundal today chaired a meeting with senior officers to review winter preparedness across Jammu Division and ensure timely arrangements for maintaining essential services during the upcoming winter season.
During the meeting, the Divisional Commissioner reviewed district-wise preparedness, with particular focus on snow clearance, road connectivity, availability of essential commodities, power and water supply, healthcare facilities and emergency response mechanisms in snow-bound and remote areas.
Deputy Commissioners briefed the chair on preparedness measures undertaken in their respective districts including deployment of snow-clearance machinery, identification of vulnerable road stretches, availability of manpower and arrangements for maintaining essential services during adverse weather conditions.
The meeting was informed that the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), NHAI, NHIDCL, PWD and PMGSY have made arrangements for snow clearance and road maintenance on their respective stretches. Stage contracts have been put in place for timely clearance of interior roads, while machinery and manpower are being positioned at vulnerable locations.
The Divisional Commissioner stressed the need to ensure uninterrupted road connectivity in snow-bound areas, particularly in the remote regions of Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, Poonch, Rajouri and Udhampur districts. He directed the concerned agencies to maintain close coordination and ensure prompt clearance of roads to facilitate the movement of essential supplies and emergency services.
Reviewing the availability of essential commodities, Vikas Kundal emphasised advance stocking and timely lifting of ration for snow-bound areas. He directed the concerned officers to closely monitor the distribution process and ensure adequate availability of foodgrains, medicines and other essential items well before the onset of severe winter conditions.
The preparedness of Jammu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (JPDCL) was also reviewed. The Divisional Commissioner directed the concerned officers to ensure adequate availability of transformers, electric poles and other essential equipment. He stressed the need to maintain additional buffer stocks of transformers in vulnerable areas and dispatch essential materials in advance to facilitate prompt restoration of power supply during winter-related disruptions.
The meeting also reviewed arrangements for drinking water supply, healthcare services, availability of medicines, firewood stocking and emergency response in remote areas. The provision of alternative drinking water supply through tankers in affected areas was also discussed.
Road safety measures along vulnerable stretches of the National Highway were reviewed, with emphasis on installing reflectors and undertaking other necessary precautions to ensure safe movement during winter conditions.
Emphasising the need for proactive planning, the Div Com directed all Deputy Commissioners and departmental heads to conduct regular reviews of winter preparedness and address identified gaps without delay. He further directed them to submit updated preparedness reports, along with details of additional requirements, to the divisional administration within the stipulated timeline.
The Divisional Commissioner stressed that all departments must remain alert and ensure effective inter-departmental coordination to maintain uninterrupted essential services and minimise public inconvenience during the winter season.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioners of all districts of Jammu Division; Chief Engineer, PHE; Chief Engineers of PWD Jammu, Pir Panjal, Chenab, PMGSY and SAMPARK; representatives of the Mechanical Engineering Department, JPDCL and CAPD; Director Health Services, Jammu; Regional Officer, NHAI along with Project Directors of NHIDCL; Chief Conservator of Forests, Jammu and other concerned officers in person and through virtual mode.