Srinagar: Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Dr. Bilal Mohiuddin announced that power supply has been restored in almost all areas of Srinagar, and snow clearance from all priority roads has been completed following recent snowfall.
He also confirmed that essential supplies are available for up to three weeks, and water supply schemes are functioning with minor issues being addressed in some areas.
Speaking to reporters during his visit to Lal Chowk as per news agency JKNS, DC Srinagar Dr. Mohiuddin said, “Since last evening, when the snow started, our entire team, officers, executive agencies, the MET department, R&B, and SMC have all been in the field and are doing their work efficiently. We are and were well-prepared, and we already conducted a review meeting regarding preparedness. We were ready for it. As you have seen, in Srinagar, 6-7 inches of snow were recorded, and within no time, the clearance mechanisms started working.”
Dr. Mohiuddin emphasized that the city had been fully prepared for the snowfall. He added that roads under the Municipal Engineering Department (MED), which cover 1,632 kilometers, had been cleared promptly, with priority roads cleared by 12 PM. “We were ready for it, and the clearance mechanisms were activated quickly. By 12 PM, priority roads were cleared, ensuring smooth travel for residents,” he said.
The R&B department, which manages 350 kilometers of roads, also reported significant progress in clearance work. “By 12 PM, almost 50% of the work was completed. By the afternoon, around 70% of the roads were cleared, and the remaining areas are being attended to,” Dr. Mohiuddin explained.
Regarding the efforts of the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), which manages 1,500 kilometers of roads, Dr. Mohiuddin shared that the SMC workers were tirelessly working to clear lanes and bylanes, though this would take some time. “We have around 2,000 workers on the ground, and priority roads, including those leading to hospitals, schools, and colleges, were cleared first,” he confirmed.
On power situation in Srinagar, Dr. Mohiuddin praised the work of the Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL), which manages 297 feeders in the city. “While there was a minor fault early this morning, all but one of the 11KV feeders have been restored. Power is now working as usual across the city,” he said, adding that the restoration work had been completed quickly.
Assuring residents about the availability of essential supplies, Dr. Mohiuddin confirmed that there was no shortage of food grains, LPG, or other crucial items. “We have a stock of 50,000 quintals of food grains, and around 21 days’ worth of LPG available. Other essential items are stocked for at least three weeks,” he noted.
Regarding the water supply situation, the District Commissioner mentioned that the Public Health Engineering (PHE) department was actively monitoring all water schemes. “Most schemes are functioning normally, except for some minor issues in tail-end areas, which are being addressed,” he said.
Lastly, Dr. Mohiuddin assured the public that the District Emergency Operating Centre was fully operational, working 24/7, and the helplines were receiving calls from residents in need of assistance. “We are closely monitoring the situation, and our team is ready to respond swiftly to any emerging challenges,” he concluded.
With all departments working in full coordination, Dr. Mohiuddin reassured Srinagar residents that the city is well-equipped to handle any further snow-related challenges in the coming days, he said. (JKNS)
