JK Guv orders restoration of essential services in areas affected by snowfall

Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik Sunday took stock of the situation arising due to heavy snowfall and ordered immediate restoration of essential services in the affected areas.

Normal life was disrupted the Kashmir valley and parts of Jammu region experienced moderate to heavy snowfall Saturday.

The governor is personally monitoring the situation and has issued instructions to the power development and public works departments for immediate restoration of electricity supply and road connectivity in the affected areas, an official spokesman said.

Malik directed the administration to expedite efforts to mitigate difficulties of people and meet their requirements in view of the inclement weather conditions, he said.

The spokesman said the advisers and the chief secretary have been asked to get regular updates on restoration of essential services from the concerned so that people do not face any inconvenience.

On restoration of electricity supply, the governor was informed that massive damage was caused to transmission lines and transformers due to snowfall and uprooting of trees. Restoration work is in full swing,he said.

The power department has informed Malik that by this evening electricity would be restored in 90 per cent of the affected areas while in other areas restoration work is underway, the spokesman said.

Regarding restoration of road connectivity, the governor was told that all inter-district roads have been restored and the Srinagar-Jammu highway will be open by this afternoon.

Malik has also asked the principal secretary finance to make adequate funds available the power and public works departments for replacement of damaged transformers and snow clearance operations respectively, the spokesman said.

In view of the ongoing board examinations, the governor has asked the education department to make adequate heating arrangements at test centres,he said.

Malik ordered deployment of enough pumps to ensure speedy drainage of water from inundated areas.

He said the Public Health Engineering department should ensure that there is no disruption of drinking water supply.

The governor also directed evacuation of all passengers stranded on the Srinagar-Jammu highway, the Mughal road and other major arterial links in the state, the spokesman said.