Weather exigency: DC Pulwama reviews winter preparedness

PULWAMA, JANUARY 01: To assess the district’s readiness for the second spell of adverse weather forecast for this winter season, the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Pulwama, Dr. Basharat Qayoom chaired a meeting of Officers and officials here on Wednesday.

During the meeting, the DC emphasised the need for proactive and coordinated efforts to mitigate the impact of severe weather conditions. He commended the concerned sectoral officers and their field teams for their effective response to the recent spell of snowfall and urged them to maintain similar coordination while preparing for potentially larger anticipated weather events. 

Priority was given to maintaining  essential services, including water and electricity supply and ensuring prompt snow clearance, particularly on critical hospital roads. Departments such as MED and R&B were directed to ensure the continuous functionality of essential services. 

Additionally, officers from MED, R&B, PMGSY, ULBs and RDD were instructed to maintain seamless coordination to prevent any overlapping of jurisdictions or lapses in communication.

Dr. Basharat also focused on health sector readiness, stressing the availability of essential medicines and emergency services, particularly in remote and vulnerable areas. 

At the same time CMO was directed to ensure advance evacuation of expectant women and other patients on long term care whose evacuation or travel might be hampered during the snowfall. 

PHE (Jal Shakti) was directed to ensure availability of drinking water through tankers wherever needed. Disaster response teams were instructed to remain on high alert to handle emergencies efficiently.  

Additionally, the DC directed concerned officers to stock adequate quantities of essential commodities to avoid shortages and to maintain road connectivity in both rural and urban areas through systematic snow clearance operations and diligent collaboration between the departments.

The meeting was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioners of (ADCs) Pulwama, Awantipora and Tral, Chief Medical Officer Pulwama and officers from various departments, ensuring delivery of timely and effective services to the people of Pulwama throughout the winter months.