Budgam, January 27: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Monday undertook an extensive tour of Budgam district to review the post-snowfall situation, focusing on snow clearance operations, restoration of essential services and the functioning of healthcare facilities.
During the visit, the Deputy Chief Minister reviewed snow clearance arrangements at the office of the Superintending Engineer, PWD Budgam, and directed the authorities to ensure immediate deployment of men and machinery in affected areas. He stressed the need for proper rationalisation of snow clearance equipment to facilitate early reopening of roads and restoration of connectivity, directing that all available machinery be utilised to clear main roads as well as interior links for smooth public movement.
The Deputy Chief Minister also took stock of snow clearance operations in Khansahab, Beerwah, Chadoora, Charar-i-Sharief and Budgam areas.
Later, he inspected the Aga Syed Yousuf Memorial (ASYM) District Hospital, Budgam, and reviewed the availability of healthcare facilities and essential medicines for patients. He also assessed the status of essential services, including water supply and electricity, and instructed the concerned departments to restore all disrupted services on a war footing.
“All essential services and road connectivity must be restored at the earliest to ensure uninterrupted facilities for the people of Budgam,” the Deputy Chief Minister said.
The Deputy Chief Minister also inspected the recently damaged bridge at Chadoora and directed the concerned authorities to expedite its restoration. He further instructed officers to strictly enforce a ban on mining activities, particularly in the vicinity of vital public infrastructure along Nallah Doodganga in the Chadoora area.
Later in the day, the Deputy Chief Minister visited the shrine of revered Sufi saint Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Noorani at Charar-i-Sharief, where he paid obeisance. He also interacted with local delegations and members of the Shrine Intizamia, who apprised him of various issues and demands.
The Deputy Chief Minister was accompanied by MLA Chadoora Ali Mohammad Dara and former Minister Aga Syed Mehmood. Chief Engineers of M&HD, PMGSY and PWD, Additional Deputy Commissioner Budgam, SDM Chadoora and other senior officers were also present during the tour
