SHIMLA: Chief Secretary R.D. Dhiman on Saturday directed the officers to ensure that the coordinated action plans be put in place for uninterrupted power and water supply, availability of public utilities and stocking of all essential items mainly in the snow-bound areas of Himachal Pradesh ahead of harsh winter months.
Reviewing the meeting on winter preparedness organised by Disaster Management Cell-Revenue Department with the Deputy Commissioners and line departments of the State here today, R D Dhiman the connectivity, hospitals, power, water supply and educational institutions should be a top priority of the administration.
He also directed to identify vulnerable areas as per the previous experiences and deploy adequate men and machinery by prioritizing areas for snow clearance.
Dhiman said deployment of machinery like bulldozers and snow cutters should be made readily in advance and the line department should carry out all necessary repairs.
"The process of procurement of equipment and snow blowers should be completed well in time to deal with any emergency situation in the state", he stressed.
Dhiman directed the district administrations to take actions to deal with the impact of the cold wave, especially for those areas where a fog-like situation prevail and adversely impacts the people, agriculture and horticulture crops in the state.
The Chief Secretary also directed the officers to keep Air Force, Army Units, ITBP and Para Military organizations in loop within their respective jurisdiction so that well-coordinated operation could be undertaken in case if any exigency.
R.D. Dhiman said the guides accompanying the trackers should be duly approved and guidelines should be adhered strictly.
He emphasized for proper monitoring of movements of the trekkers going in the high reach areas.
He directed the Himachal Road Transport Corporation for making arrangements of snow chains for the vehicles and shuttle system or alternate traffic management for high reach areas.
He also gave necessary directions to Public Works Departments, Jal Shakti, Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board, Urban Development, Telecommunication, Civil Defense, Food and Civil Supply and other departments.
Director-cum-Special Secretary, Revenue-Disaster Management Sudesh Mokhta conducted the proceedings of the meeting. Senior officers of various departments attended the meeting.
