SRINAGAR: In order to face the predicted heavy snowfall in the Valley and to ensure the availability of all essentials services, the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Shailendra Kumar on Saturday said the divisional administration has geared up all men and machinery to face the challenge.
Kumar was addressing a press conference here. He said that Metrological Department has predicated heavy snowfall on March 17 and March 18, 2014 in the Valley and administration has made all out efforts to provide necessary arrangements for people during snowfall.
Warning the people living in upper reaches of the Valley about the probability of avalanches in these areas, the Divisional Commissioner said that recent snowfall claimed several lives besides damage to properties. He appealed people to be vigilant about the threat. He said the PDD and PHE have been directed to ensure adequate power and water supply during the snowfall.
Giving details of the recent damage caused by snowfall, the Divisional Commissioner said that 12 people lost their lives while as 17 persons were injured. He said that 81 residential houses were fully damaged and 2212 houses were partially damaged. He said 760 non residential and 15 religious buildings were also damaged due to recent snowfall.
Kumar assured that Divisional Administration will leave no stone unturned in mitigating the grievances of people and all arrangements are apace to face any eventuality.

Reader correspondent