The direction was issued by Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg during a high-level meeting to review winter preparedness across Kashmir Division.
Taking note of delays in the commencement of winter air sorties, Garg stressed the need to make the facility operational within the stipulated deadline to ensure connectivity for people living in snowbound areas.
He also directed the Director of Srinagar Airport to ensure timely dissemination of information to passengers and the general public about changes in flight schedules due to adverse weather conditions.
Reviewing the availability of essential commodities in remote areas, including Gurez and the Karnah-Machil-Keran belt, the Divisional Commissioner directed the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department (FCS&CA) to complete advance stocking of LPG, petroleum products, rice and wheat within one week.
He stressed that adequate stocks should be maintained in all far-flung areas to prevent shortages and inconvenience during road closures.
The meeting also reviewed healthcare arrangements, including the availability of essential medicines, heating facilities in hospitals and deployment of medical staff in remote areas.
Garg directed the National Health Mission (NHM) to provide 4×4 ambulances to the Directorate of Health Services Kashmir for distribution among districts, in addition to the SANJY ambulances.
The Health Department was also directed to prepare comprehensive lists of expectant mothers and critically ill patients in vulnerable and remote areas and arrange their advance shifting to temporary shelters wherever required to ensure uninterrupted medical care during heavy snowfall and road closures.
