SRINAGAR: Roads across Srinagar city, including lanes and bylanes, were paralysed on Saturday as snowfall disrupted normal life in the valley. The Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), which manages snow clearance operations, stated that it has cleared the major roads of the city.
SMC officials reported that snow clearance machines, manpower, and dewatering pumps are actively working in Srinagar, yet residents in many areas complained that their lanes and bylanes remain uncleared.
SMC officials said they have been working since last night and are still on the ground clearing the city’s roads. They added that their primary focus is hospitals and other vital roads.
“Forty-three snow tractors, two Bobcats (a small type of JCB used for snow clearance), 127 dewatering pumps, and six large JCBs are operational in the city for snow clearance operations,” an official said, adding that about 2,200 workers are engaged in clearing lanes and bylanes.
However, locals expressed dissatisfaction with the SMC’s efforts. “Snow in our area has not been cleared, and no SMC officers have arrived yet,” said Sahil, a resident of Habba Kadal, Srinagar.
Residents of many areas, including Gousiya Colony Bemina, Padshahi Bagh, and Bilal Colony Bemina, who urged the authorities to clear their roads. Residents expressed concerns that if more snow falls or temperatures drop further, the uncleared snow would freeze, exacerbating their difficulties.
Meanwhile, an official statement from SMC Srinagar noted that the Commissioner, Dr Owais Ahmed, along with senior officials, conducted inspections across various areas on Saturday to oversee ongoing snow clearance and dewatering operations following the snowfall.
The Commissioner visited areas such as CBD Lal Chowk, SMHS Hospital, and government housing colonies in Balgarden, Karanagar, Sanat Nagar, Chanapora, and the Leprosy Hospital in Bahrar Lal Bazar, as well as several dewatering stations.
During these visits, Dr Owais engaged with on-site officers and supervisors to assess the progress of snow clearance and dewatering efforts and to address any challenges.
Dr Owais also interacted with residents to gather feedback on the effectiveness of the operations. He issued on-the-spot directions to expedite snow clearance and ensure effective dewatering to safeguard public safety, facilitate transport, and minimise disruption to essential services.
The Commissioner praised the dedication of the corporation’s frontline workers, who have played a vital role in these operations, the SMC statement added. (KNO)