Avalanche threat looms large

High danger avalanche warning is in place for avalanche prone areas in Bandipora district and medium danger avalanche warning exists for avalanche prone areas in Baramulla, Kupwara, Uri, Kargil, Anantnag, Kulgam, Pulwama and Ganderbal districts.
This was revealed in an official statement from Divisional Commissioner Kashmir.
The Deputy Commissioners of Anantnag, Kulgam, Baramulla, Kupwara, Bandipora, Pulwama, Ganderbal, Kargil districts have been asked to issue weather advisory to the people advising them not to venture out of their homes during this period and keep cleaning the snow deposition from roof tops of their houses and bunkers to avoid damages.
“The concerned officers have been asked to inform people to temporarily evacuate the locations under fall line of avalanche and heavy snowfall. It is enjoined upon all Deputy Commissioners, all concerned Head of Departments and District Superintendents of Police to activate their manpower and machinery and to be in a state of preparedness, so as to minimize disruption of essential services, including road connectivity, health services etc.”
Deputy Commissioner, Ganderbal Sarmad Hafeez has advised the people living in upper reaches of Ganderbal district including Sonamarg, Sarbal, Nelgrath, Gagangeer, Razin, Naranag and adjoining areas not to venture into slopes of forest and hilly areas of Tehsil Kangan which are avalanche prone areas. In case of emergency, people have been asked to contact Additional Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal 9419137940, 2416388, Sub Divisional Magistrate Kangan (SDM) 9419050277, 2418283, Police Control Room 2416674, 2416564 and Tehsildar Kangan, Gund 9469636499 and 9796536364.
Meanwhile, Commissioner-Secretary, Transport Department, Bipul Pathak convened a meeting of Divisional Officers at winter Secretariat to take stock of the availability of essentials and snow clearance measures.
Among others, Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, Dr Farooq Ahmad Lone, Chief Engineer PDD, Director Social Welfare, Joint Director School Education, Kashmir besides senior officers of SMC, SDA, R&B, LAWDA, PHE, Health, CA&PD, Agriculture and other officers were present in the meeting.
Pathak reviewed the measures put in place for snow clearance, timely restoration electricity and drinking water wherever required. He also took stock of supply position of essentials in the valley and reviewed the functioning of health institutions across the Kashmir Division.
Commissioner Secretary emphasised upon the concerned officers to keep strict vigil on hoarders, black marketers and unscrupulous elements who take advantage of bad weather conditions and create false scarcity of essentials. He urged the concerned to intensify the market checking. He also asked them to make sure that sufficient quantity of essentials and fuel is available across the Valley.
Pathak  was informed that adequate stocks of essentials are available in the valley and all the health Institutions are functional and adequate quantity of medicines including life saving drugs are available for the patients.
He was further informed that as many as 75 dewatering pumps have been kept ready for the dewatering processes in the water logged and low lying areas while, more than 100 snow clearance machines have been put in operation for the clearance of snow.
He was also informed that about 3 lakh sqft of timber has been distributed among flood affected families on concessional rates so far.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner Secretary held video conference with the Deputy Commissioners of the valley to get appraisal from them about the availability of essentials and snow clearance process.
Deputy Commissioners have been directed to take precautionary measures so as to avert any untoward incident.