Srinagar, Jan 24 (JKNS): Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg on Saturday said that weather conditions across the Valley have shown marked improvement after the recent snowfall and high-velocity winds, adding that restoration of power supply and road connectivity is being carried out on a war footing and is expected to be completed by evening.
Ahead of the Republic Day celebrations, the Divisional Commissioner, accompanied by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir Vidhi Kumar Birdi, visited Balidan Stambh at Pratap Park here, where they took the salute during the full dress rehearsal and paid floral tributes to the martyrs.
Speaking to reporters, as per news agency JKNS, Garg described the occasion as auspicious and said that elaborate arrangements have been put in place for the smooth conduct of the Republic Day function.
He said contingents of security forces, school children and officials from various departments have been rehearsing continuously for the past one month.
Despite heavy rain and snowfall over the last two days, Garg said teams worked round-the-clock to prepare the stadium and other venues. He also urged the people of Srinagar to participate in the Republic Day celebrations and witness the event as in previous years.
Providing details on the weather impact, the Divisional Commissioner said that most parts of the Valley, barring Srinagar, received snowfall, while wind speeds exceeded 150 kmph at some locations, causing damage in certain areas.
He said restoration work was initiated immediately, with power supply being restored at a fast pace and the remaining stations expected to become functional by afternoon.
Garg further said that weather conditions have improved considerably since Friday, adding that both airport and railway services have already resumed normal operations.
On road connectivity, he said that snow clearance work is in full swing, with around 15,000 kilometres of roads cleared out of the total 20,000 kilometres. The remaining stretches are being cleared with the assistance of the NDRF and other agencies.
The Divisional Commissioner said that as per the directions of the Chief Minister, all restoration and snow clearance operations are targeted to be completed by evening to ensure return of normalcy across the Valley. (JKNS)
