Brace for winter: Himachal Chief Secretary tells depts to stock up on essentials

Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta on Friday directed all district administrations across the state to make comprehensive arrangements in view of the upcoming snow and rainfall during the winter season.

Presiding over a meeting to review winter preparedness, he instructed all Administrative Secretaries, Heads of Departments and Deputy Commissioners, who joined the meeting virtually, to take proactive measures to ensure public safety and smooth functioning of essential services.

Emphasising prevention and timely action, Gupta said all relevant departments must proactively implement the guidelines issued by the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (HPSDMA) to avert risks to human life and property. He stressed the need for effective dissemination of weather advisories, early warnings and forecasts, adding, “Warning signals must be clear, timely and easy to understand.”

He called for advance stocking of fuel, food grains, LPG and other essential supplies in snow-prone areas. “Departments must remain vigilant and ensure that snow-clearing machinery is stationed at strategic locations so that people do not face inconvenience during heavy snowfall. Designate department-wise nodal officers for effective coordination during winter preparedness and response,” he said.

Gupta also directed officials to identify high-risk zones prone to fire incidents, noting that most domestic fire cases occur during winter, especially in densely populated areas. He asked departments to formulate a dedicated winter traffic management plan to ensure smooth traffic flow and enhance safety in major tourist destinations that witness heavy winter footfall. He further instructed officials to ensure daily testing of ISAT phones for emergency use.

The Chief Secretary recommended that PWD, Jal Shakti Vibhag (JSV) and HPSEBL strategically pre-position manpower and machinery so that restoration works can be initiated promptly during disruptions. He directed departments to carry out preventive maintenance of power lines and ensure uninterrupted electricity and drinking water supply during winter. Special or alternative power backup arrangements must also be made for hospitals, communication networks and pumping stations, he added.

Highlighting the importance of prompt response, Gupta directed district administrations to keep search and rescue teams on constant alert to effectively handle any emergency situation during the winter months.