Winter Readiness

As the cold season approaches, Kashmir valley has begun preparing for a series of challenges in the coming winter weather. One of the biggest challenges is to keep regular electric supply in the Valley. Winter in Kashmir typically demands higher electricity usage as people rely on heating devices to keep warm. This puts immense pressure on the power grid and often leads to major load-shedding and power cuts. To address this, the Power Development Department (PDD) has been instructed to create a clear and fair curtailment schedule in a recent meeting chaired by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. This measure will help manage electricity consumption during peak times, easing some of the strain on the grid. It is hoped that the PDD strictly sticks to its schedule in the coming months. Apart from electricity, Kashmir’s residents face additional challenges in mobility and access to essential resources due to the severe weather. Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Vijay Kumar Bidhuri also has convened a meeting with district officials and heads of various departments to address these needs. Strategies for snow clearance were a top priority, with plans to deploy machinery to keep both urban and rural roads accessible. Maintaining open roads is crucial not only for everyday transportation but also to ensure that emergency vehicles, including ambulances, can reach remote areas. In areas prone to isolation by snow, such as Gurez and Tangdhar, a reliable stock of essential supplies like food, fuel, and medical resources is necessary. The Food Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Department has been directed to make sure these remote areas have ample reserves of ration, LPG, and fuel before the heavy snowfalls arrive. Similarly, PDD is preparing a buffer stock of transformers and other electrical equipment to ensure prompt repairs when power disruptions occur. Healthcare is another area of concern during winter. For those living in hard-to-reach areas, access to health services becomes difficult. The Health Department has received instructions to advance the evacuation of expecting mothers from remote areas and to prepare for emergencies as weather forecasts become available. Additionally, they will maintain healthcare service quality across the region to help manage seasonal health concerns. Water supply is a basic need, and frozen pipes or disrupted service can make life harder during winter. The Public Health Engineering Department has set plans to ensure regular tap water supply through operational lift pumps. This proactive planning helps guarantee that residents will have access to clean water even during extreme weather. Remote areas of Bandipora and Kupwara will also benefit from plans to increase helicopter service Control rooms across districts are being established to handle emergencies and provide real-time information and support to residents facing severe weather conditions.winter reflects the government’s commitment to securing a safe and comfortable winter season for the people of Kashmir. The meetings have been held but now it is time to implement all decisions on ground. With all these measures in place, residents in the Valley can be more prepared for the cold months ahead.