Ganderbal, Dec 29: While the heavy snowfall over the past few days disrupted life in Kashmir, the Roads and Buildings (R&B) divisions of Ganderbal and Gund initiated massive snow clearance operations to restore normalcy.
According to officials, snow clearance began on Saturday on main roads and link roads in areas such as Gund, Surfraw, Sonamarg, Ganiwan and parts of Ganderbal district. Using JCB machines and tractors, workers have cleared 430 kilometers out of the 448 kilometers of snow-covered roads under the R&B Ganderbal division,officials said.
“Priority has been given to clearing roads leading to hospitals and health institutions. Our teams are working round the clock to ensure connectivity,” said an R&B official.
Residents have expressed satisfaction with the department’s efforts. “The R&B department is doing a commendable job by starting snow clearance operations promptly. This ensures we won’t face prolonged disruptions,” a local said.
Meanwhile the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) deployed men and machinery to clear the highway between Sonamarg and Kangan.
An official from R&B Division Gund stated that six JCB machines have been deployed to clear snow across 36 kilometers, including the Sonamarg area. “We have cleared all the 36 kilometers, ” he added.
Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE) Shabir Ahmad reiterated the department’s dedication. “Our men and machinery are fully engaged despite the challenging weather till late night. Significant progress has been made, and we restored connectivity for the entire 36 kilometers by late last night,” he said.
The snowfall, which began on Friday, disrupted essential services and travel across the region. However, the timely intervention by the R&B department and other agencies has ensured minimal impact on daily life, bringing much-needed relief to the residents of Ganderbal.
