Srinagar: The government has been asked to ready men and machinery for snow clearance and other activities by the state disaster management department after predictions of snow and rain on January 18.
Weather is likely to remain dry till January 17, and there is possibility of light to moderate snowfall and rains in Jammu and Kashmir, especially in the hilly areas on January 18, reads a letter sent by under secretary to the government, department of disaster management to various departments.
“I am directed to request that men and machinery may be activated and kept in a state of preparedness, so as to minimize any adverse effects,” the letter reads.
The two divisional commissioners of Kashmir/Jammu have been requested to ensure that movement of traffic, on vulnerable roads, is restricted during this period, as a precautionary measure.
The letter adds: “The deputy commissioners (chairman district disaster management authorities) may be requested to take all necessary precautions and to keep the department of disaster management updated about the preventive and precautionary measures taken and to promptly inform about any untoward incident that may occur and response measures taken and also to provide regular updates through the regional police control rooms and SDRF/EOC control room.”
Met officials, meanwhile, said the prevailing cold conditions showed little respite.
Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of -4.6C, down from -3.2C the previous night.
Gulmarg was the only place in Kashmir where minimum temperature increased last night.