Administration ill-prepared to handle expected snowfall: CPI(M) State Sec Ghulam Nabi Malik

Castigating the administration for its ill-preparedness to handle the expected snowfall, CPI(M) State Secretary Ghulam Nabi Malik has said the tall claims made by the authorities on their alertness have been exposed by the massive power breakdown, road blockades, damaged water supply lines and other difficulties faced by the people.

In a statement issued in Jammu on 7 January, the CPI (M) State Secretary said that although a heavy snowfall is not something new for the state of Jammu and Kashmir given its climatic condition and topography, but the administration seems resistant to change its rusty work culture despite tall claims being made every year which later prove a prank.

Referring to the massive power breakdown that had plunged the entire Valley into total darkness, Malik said that the administration failed to restore power supplies.

"Most of the areas in the Valley are yet to see results of the restoration claims made by the Power Development Department," he stressed.

The CPI (M) leader wondered that with a few inches of snow the entire administration comes to a grinding halt which is reflective of a dire need for strengthening of disaster preparedness in Jammu and Kashmir.

"The snow is yet to be cleared on many roads and a major road network in rural areas across the Valley is yet to see the traffic plying resulting into tremendous inconvenience for the general public," he said.

In order to meet the challenges of winter vagaries, the administration needs to ensure a better coordination between different departments especially those providing essential services.

"Though an early weather warning system is in place but in absence of the required resources mobilization, weather alerts do not serve any purpose," he remarked.

Malik urged the government to ensure that there is no scarcity of essential commodities including LPG, kerosene, sugar and ration.

"The medical services, especially emergency services, should be monitored besides the damaged power distribution lines should be immediately repaired to ensure better power supply in the state," he demanded.

-PTI