Budgam, Jan 29 (JKNS): The Assistant Executive Engineer, R&B Sub Division Pakherpora, on Thursday clarified that no private machinery was engaged for snow clearance on the Chelyan-Chontinar road, dismissing claims made in a recently circulated social media video.
In an official report submitted to the Executive Engineer, R&B Division Charar-i-Sharief, a copy of which lies with news agency JKNS the department stated that areas of Bajipathi and Watkuloo do not fall under the jurisdiction of R&B Division Charar-i-Sharief, whereas Chelyan-Chontinar comes within its administrative control.
The report said that from the very first day of snowfall, beginning the intervening night of January 22 and 23, 2026, the sub-division deployed five departmental machines for snow clearance on the Kanidajan-Darwan-Chelyan-Chontinar main road, spanning a length of 10.5 kilometres, along with its allied links. This included two replacement machines deployed on the morning of January 23.
According to the report, one machine was deployed from the Chelyan-Chontinar side, while the remaining machines operated from the Kanidajan side.
The department noted that snow clearance operations were challenging and time-consuming due to heavy snowfall, rooftop snow accumulation, and landslides in the area.
Categorically rejecting the allegations, the Assistant Executive Engineer clarified that no private machinery was used and that all snow clearance work to date has been carried out solely through machines deployed by departmental snow stage contractors.
The report has been submitted for further perusal and record. (JKNS)
