CM monitors current situation in high-level meeting

Jammu, Mar 13 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad today personally monitored the weather situation in the state and was tola that all inter-district roads in Kashmir valley have been cleared for movement of traffic by pressing 40 snow clearance machines into service.

The Chief Minister chaired a high level meeting of State Level Committee on Disaster Management at Civil Secretariat to take stock of all measures taken by different govenment agencies, in the wake of incessant rains and snowfall in the state.

Mr Azad further sanctioned purchase of more snow cutters worth Rs four crore in the meeting. However, the meeting was informed that in Jammu division, three districts of Doda, Rajouri and Poonch are still cut-off and work is going on speedily to clear the roads.

Beacon authorities informed Mr Azad that they have already pressed into service their men and machinery so that the national highway is restored for traffic as soon as possible.

As a result of incessant rains and snowfall, 50 per cent of power supply in Jammu division was affected, the meeting was informed.

Similarly, the power supply in Kashmir valley was also badly affected.

He advised Power Minister Nawang Rigzin Jora and Power Development Department Principal Secretary to personally monitor immediate restoration of power supply.

Keeping in view the accumulation of water due to melting of snow in Srinagar city and other towns in Jammu and Kashmir, Mr Azad directed dewatering operation to be taken up on warfooting.

He also advised police authorities to ensure that no hoarding takes place in any part of the state.

Chief Minister was also informed about the disruption of air services to the valley due to bad weather, as well as accumulation of snow at Srinagar airport. He directed for immediate snow clearance so that flights could operate.

He also advised The Power Minister, Housing and Urban Development Minister Qazi Mohammad Afzal and PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control Minister Mohammad Dilawar Mir to rush to Srinagar through first available flight and monitor the situation.

It was decided that educational institutions shall remain closed for the whole current week in Kashmir division, excluding Ladakh, and affected areas of Jammu division.

It was further decided that special arrangements will be made for candidates appearing for examinations and interviews being conducted by Board of School Education and SSRB, in due course. The candidates were unable to attend the examinations and interviews as a result of rains, snowfall and road blockade.

Mr Azad also advised that all control rooms shall remain operational round the clock. He said at district, sub-division and tehsil level also such control rooms should function round the clock.

Chief Secretary at state level and Divisional Commissioners at divisional level will coordinate all measures which are being taken in the wake of incessant rains and snowfall and shall be holding review meetings on daily basis.

Besides many senior cabinet Ministers many civil, police and army official were also participitated in the meeting.

UNI