Aijaz Itoo
Kulgam, Dec 28 (KINS): Following heavy snowfall, extensive snow clearance operations are underway across Kulgam district with all available resources deployed to ensure connectivity and essential services.
Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE) of the Mechanical Engineering Department (MED), Khurshid Abdullah,told news agency gathering agency KINS that the snow clearance machinery has been significantly augmented.
“A total of 25 snow clearance machines are currently in operation, covering 585 kilometers of 162 roads in the district,” he said.
“Our operations prioritize 74 major roads (Priority-1) spanning 430.57 kilometers and 88 other link roads (Priority-2) covering 154.66 kilometers. So far, we have cleared 43% of the roads. Out of 74 Priority-1 roads, 40 have been cleared, covering 223.89 kilometers. For the Priority-2 roads, 30 have been cleared, spanning 35.57 kilometers. Efforts are ongoing to clear the remaining snow as quickly as possible,” Abdullah said, adding that he is personally monitoring the situation on the ground.
On the electricity front, Executive Engineer (Exen) of the KPDCL Kulgam, Abdul Hameed Akhoon, told KINS that all 33kV lines and 72 feeders of 11kV in the district are currently down.
“Restoration of 33kV lines is a prerequisite for recharging the 11kV lines. However, the essential power line for Kulgam hospital is 75% operational, and our teams are working diligently to restore power at the earliest,” Akhoon assured.
In addition, a district administration official confirmed that food supplies for upper reaches have been stocked for four months in advance.
To address medical emergencies, 4×4 ambulances have also been strategically positioned in these areas.
Authorities have reassured residents that all necessary efforts are being made to address the challenges posed by the snowfall and to restore normalcy in the district (KINS)
