Srinagar, Oct 19: Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) Commissioner Dr Basharat Qayoom, IAS, on Monday reviewed the Corporation’s preparedness for snow clearance and dewatering operations ahead of winter, directing officials to ensure adequate deployment of manpower and machinery across all municipal wards.
Chairing a review meeting at the SMC Central Office in Karan Nagar, the Commissioner stressed the need for advance planning, effective field-level coordination and rapid mobilisation of resources to minimise public inconvenience during snowfall and adverse weather conditions.
The meeting was attended by the Joint Commissioners for R&E, Works and Sanitation, the Superintending Engineer of the City Drainage Circle and other officers of the Corporation.
During the meeting, Dr Basharat reviewed the deployment plan for snow clearance machinery and manpower, directing officials to prioritise key public routes, particularly those connecting hospitals, ration depots, shrines and government institutions, to ensure uninterrupted accessibility during snowfall.
He also assessed the availability of snow clearance equipment, advanced dewatering systems and mobility support to strengthen the Corporation’s response to winter-related challenges.
Emphasising the importance of inter-departmental coordination, the Commissioner directed the Snow Monitoring Committee and the 24×7 Control Room to remain fully operational and responsive throughout the winter season. He instructed officials to ensure prompt disposal of public grievances and immediate action on reports of snow accumulation, blocked roads and other weather-related disruptions.
Reviewing dewatering arrangements, Dr Basharat directed officials to maintain all permanent dewatering stations in optimal working condition. He also stressed the timely deployment of high-capacity mobile pumps in vulnerable and low-lying areas to prevent waterlogging during rainfall, snowmelt and other adverse weather conditions.
The Commissioner underscored the need for accountability, regular field monitoring and close coordination among the Corporation’s various wings to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of essential civic services.
He further directed all concerned officers to ensure comprehensive preparedness and real-time coordination, stressing that every municipal ward must be equipped to respond effectively to snow-related disruptions and waterlogging.
The Corporation’s focus, he said, remains on operational readiness, rapid response and maintaining essential civic services throughout the winter, ensuring safer mobility and continued access to vital public facilities for Srinagar residents.
