Major snow-covered roads cleared, essential services restored in Kangan

Kangan, Dec 28: After the recent heavy snowfall in Ganderbal district which threw life out of gear particularly in the rural areas , the administration has expedited its operations in all the rural areas and towns of the district to ensure complete restoration of the essential services.

Officials said that the priority remained to clear the main roads that connect with the interior roads and link roads, adding that the efforts to clear the snow and restore the affected services continued in Ganderbal district.

They said the entire administration of the district including all departments concerned were involved in efforts to restore the affected services with snow clearance receiving a major focus as at least four departments including MED, PWD, Municipality and PMGSY were involved in the effort. The officials said that the Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal was continuously monitoring the snow clearance work in several areas of Ganderbal district. A control room was also set up for the people in Ganderbal district.

Sub Divisional Magistrate Kangan, Nuzhat Qureshi, told Greater Kashmir that almost all the essential services that were hit by the snowfall have been restored and efforts are underway to ensure complete restoration of the services in Kangan sub division .

“Our priority was the major roads and important roads leading to hospitals besides the snow clearance work on the inner roads was also being carried out and we are on the ground monitoring the situation," SDM said. She said that the administration has issued an advisory and the tourists and commuters should follow and adhere so that no untoward incidents happen.

SDM said that only vehicles with anti-skid chains will be allowed to ply on Sonamarg road as per the traffic advisory. She added that the administration ensured the safety and well being of the tourists.

Executive Engineer R&B Kangan , Zahoor Ahmed Sheikh told Greater Kashmir that almost 90% of the roads under the domain of the department have been cleared and the men and machinery are working to clear the rest of the remaining roads in Kangan sub division which included in far off areas as well. He said that their priority remained to clear the main roads first and the snow clearance work on interior roads was going on.

Ganderbal police have also issued an advisory for the traffic. The tourists visiting Sonamarg have been asked to keep warm clothes with them. The drivers have been advised to use anti skid chains for vehicles amidst slippery roads and snowfall.