Srinagar, Jan 24, KNT: Amid massive snowfall and a fierce windstorm that disrupted normal life across large parts of the Kashmir Valley, three key departments stepped up with exceptional resolve to restore essential services and ensure public safety, officials and locals said on Saturday.
The Srinagar Municipal Corporation played a crucial role in clearing roads that were blocked at scores of locations due to uprooted trees, fallen roofs, and debris scattered by strong winds. Despite harsh weather conditions, SMC employees worked continuously to remove fallen material and reopen vital roads and inner lanes, allowing movement of emergency vehicles and easing hardships for locals.
Ward Officer Jawahar Nagar Shabir Akhoon said his teams remained on the ground without rest. “We did not take even a little bit of rest on Friday. Our teams were busy throughout the day and night clearing blocked roads and paths. The priority was to restore access for people and emergency services despite the snowfall and windstorm,” he said.
Equally commendable was the role of the Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited, whose employees worked under extremely risky conditions to restore electricity supply across affected areas. With transmission lines damaged by snowfall and falling trees, KPDCL staff braved the weather to repair faults and bring power back to households and essential installations. During the restoration work, one KPDCL employee sustained injuries in Magam while repairing a power line, underscoring the risks involved. Officials said the dedication shown by power employees amid the severe weather deserves special appreciation.
The Jammu and Kashmir Police also emerged as a vital support system during the crisis. Police personnel assisted in pushing stranded vehicles, evacuating people stuck in snowbound areas, and shifting patients to hospitals under difficult conditions. Several rescue efforts were carried out in snow-covered localities, ensuring timely medical assistance and preventing further emergencies.
Officials told the news agency Kashmir News Trust that the coordinated response of the civic body, power department, and police helped prevent a complete breakdown of services during one of the most challenging weather spells witnessed this winter. Locals across Srinagar and other affected areas acknowledged the tireless efforts of ground staff who worked round the clock to bring life back to normal.
Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Ansul Garg said restoration and clearance operations would continue until full normalcy is achieved across all affected areas of the Valley. [KNT]
