Regulate traffic through Zojila Pass according to weather conditions: Div Com

Srinagar, Dec 13: Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) Kashmir Vijay Kumar Bidhuri today emphasised on close coordination and synergy among agencies to regulate traffic through Zojila Pass according to weather conditions.

According to an official press release, he was addressing a meeting. “In view of plummeting temperatures and frosty condition of road connecting UT of Ladakh with UT of J&K through Zojila Pass, the Divisional Commissioner Friday convened a meeting of concerned officers and agencies regarding the opening and closure of the Pass,” it added.

Addressing the meeting, Divisional Commissioner exhorted District Administration Kargil, District Administration Ganderbal, SSP Rural Kashmir, officers of BRO and BEACON to maintain close coordination to take a call of closure of the Zojilla Pass according to the weather conditions and position of road and in consultation with BRO & VIJAYK.

He emphasised on establishing the joint control room consisting of District Administration Ganderbal, Police, SDRF and CRPF.

Div Com said that in case of any eventuality, snow fall and closure of road, necessary accommodation shall be provided to the stranded passengers by Deputy Commissioner, Ganderbal at Sonamarg and Gagangeer. Besides, the locations and list of the stranded passengers should be shared with Deputy Commissioner, Kargil.

RTO Kashmir and SSP Rural were directed to ensure that the vehicles plying on the road shall wear anti-skid chains and must be mechanically sound. Besides, vehicles shall carry permissible tonnage. Also, RTO Kashmir was instructed to ensure operationalisation of weighing bridges enroute the road.

Div Com also stressed all the departments and stakeholders to adhere to the traffic advisories issued by the Traffic Department in consultation with the committee and directed that the advisory should be given wide publicity through media. Further, Div Com gave instructions for stationing of recovery cranes enroute the Zojilla Pass.

Moreover, CMO Ganderbal was directed to ensure smooth functioning of the Hospital at Sonmarg during the closure of the road.