The Deputy Commissioner of Chamba district, Mukesh Repaswal, has issued directives to all government departments to finalize their winter preparedness plans and ensure the continuous availability of essential services throughout the upcoming winter season.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the Deputy Commissioner, while presiding over a district-level review meeting of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), meticulously assessed the ongoing preparations related to potential snowfall, the maintenance of road connectivity, and the reliability of power and water supply systems. The review also encompassed healthcare provisions, food availability, communication networks, and broader disaster management strategies.
Emphasizing the importance of readiness, Repaswal urged all departments to ensure their resources, including manpower and equipment, are fully prepared to address the challenges posed by the anticipated heavy snowfall this winter. He underscored the necessity of developing contingency plans that draw upon the experiences of previous years. These plans are crucial to prevent any inconvenience to residents, tourists, and individuals residing in remote areas during emergency situations. Sub-Divisional Officers were specifically tasked with conducting thorough reviews of departmental preparedness within their respective jurisdictions and verifying the availability of requisite resources in vulnerable locations.
The Public Works Department (PWD) and the local units of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) received explicit instructions to ensure that adequate machinery, specialized equipment, and trained personnel are readily available for the prompt restoration of road networks following snowfall. Special attention was directed towards critical routes serving Dalhousie, Khajjiar, Banikhet, Bharmour, and Pangi. Both agencies were also mandated to coordinate their deployment of resources effectively to maximize efficiency and minimize delays.
In anticipation of potential power outages, the Electricity Department was instructed to maintain a stock of essential equipment, spare transformers, and sufficient manpower. The department was also directed to establish alternative power arrangements to mitigate the impact of disruptions. Similarly, the Jal Shakti Department was directed to take all necessary measures to protect water pipelines and guarantee an uninterrupted supply of drinking water, particularly in areas that are highly susceptible to snowfall.
The Health Department was tasked with ensuring substantial stocks of essential medicines and maintaining readily deployable rapid response teams. The Food and Civil Supplies Department was advised to pre-position essential commodities in remote and snowfall-affected regions to prevent shortages and ensure community access to necessities. These proactive measures aim to safeguard public well-being and ensure the smooth functioning of essential services.
Repaswal also directed the Education Department to update the disaster management plans for all educational institutions. Measures include arranging for adequate heating facilities in schools located in snowbound areas and conducting thorough inspections of school buildings to identify and address any structural vulnerabilities. This ensures the safety of students and staff during harsh winter conditions.
Further decentralizing preparedness efforts, Gram Panchayats were urged to bolster their local emergency response mechanisms. This includes disseminating vital disaster-related information to residents and identifying community buildings that can serve as temporary shelters during emergencies. The district administration also seeks to maintain updated records of Yuva Aapda Mitra volunteers and the resources available at Panchayat Emergency Response Centres.
Addressing the safety and convenience of tourists, the Deputy Commissioner instructed the relevant authorities to ensure the availability of up-to-date weather forecasts, tourist registration facilities, essential safety equipment, and reliable communication channels at sensitive tourist destinations such as Dalhousie, Khajjiar, and Manimahesh. A review of tourist movement and permit arrangements during periods of snowfall was also called for to ensure visitor safety.
The Telecommunications Department was directed to guarantee uninterrupted network connectivity in vulnerable areas and to maintain adequate fuel reserves and alternative power sources for network systems. This measure is critical for maintaining communication channels, especially during emergencies.
In conclusion, all departments were mandated to ensure that their designated nodal officers’ contact numbers remain functional at all times and to submit daily preparedness reports promptly. The District Red Cross Society was asked to maintain sufficient stocks of relief materials and emergency kits. Furthermore, the Fire Services Department and Home Guards were instructed to conduct regular fire safety inspections at the medical college, hospitals, hostels, and other vital institutions to prevent fire-related incidents.
The Chenab Times News Desk
