Stresses Advance Stocking of Essentials in Remote, Snow-Prone Areas
Jammu, Nov 25: Minister for Health & Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo on Monday conducted a detailed review of winter preparedness across the South Kashmir districts of Anantnag, Kulgam, Pulwama and Shopian during a virtual meeting held at the Civil Secretariat.
The Minister directed district administrations to ensure that all essential services and supplies are fully secured well before peak winter sets in. She stressed the importance of advance stocking of medicines, ration, fuel and other critical commodities, particularly in far-flung and heavy snow-prone habitations that face repeated disruption during harsh weather.
Sakeena Itoo called for close coordination between the civil administration, health authorities and public works departments to guarantee uninterrupted mobility, emergency response and healthcare access throughout the winter months. She emphasised that people in remote areas must not suffer due to logistical delays or administrative shortcomings.
“Winter preparedness is not a routine formality—it is a commitment to public safety and well-being,” she said, urging officials to approach the exercise with urgency and accountability.
The Minister instructed all departments to maintain adequate buffer stocks, activate control rooms, and keep rapid response teams on standby. She also emphasised regular monitoring to ensure the availability of essential medicines, ambulance services, and fully functional health centres even during extended snowfall.
Departments were further directed to identify vulnerable habitations and prioritise them for early supply mobilisation, especially in high-altitude pockets that are prone to prolonged road closures.
Officers from the four districts briefed the Minister on their respective preparedness plans and assured that winter arrangements were in place. They said all departments were ready to respond promptly to any weather-related exigency.
