Snow blower helps pace up clearance op
A truck-mounted snow blower machine deployed by the Public Works Department (PWD) in Pangi this year has significantly expedited snow clearance operations, restoring traffic on major roads in a quick time. The snow clearance operation, which was earlier conducted using backhoe loaders (JCB), took days to complete.
Procured at a cost of Rs 2.11 crore, the machine has significantly enhanced road clearance efforts during heavy snowfall in the region, said Ravi Kumar, PWD Executive Engineer.
After the heavy snowfall on Thursday last week, the machine cleared the Dharwas-Sural Road withing a single day, the process which otherwise would have otherwise taken three to four days using traditional JCB machines. The faster snow removal has greatly improved connectivity in the valley, reducing disruptions caused by heavy snowfall.
Heavy snowfall last week had disrupted traffic on nearly three dozen roads with approximately 12 inches of snow recorded at Killar, Pangi’s subdivisional headquarters, and nearly 18 inches in higher-altitude areas.
The snow clearnce operation took off as soon as the weather cleared. In the interior roads JCB machines were deployed for the operation and the snow blower at Killar, where it proved was ineffective due to slushy snow.
Consequently, the machine was reassigned to clear the Dharwas-Sural Valley Road, where it successfully cleared nearly 15 kilometers of road in just one day.
Previously, restoring traffic on key routes took multiple days, but the introduction of this machine has enabled faster clearance and minimized disruptions for commuters. Most of the roads including key routes to Sural Valley, Saichu Valley, Shun, Kumar-Paramar, Mindhal, and Rei, were reopened in a shorter time.
Winters in Pangi Valley are severe and heavy snowfall buries roads, making movement difficult and restricting access to essential services. Transportation becomes nearly impossible, forcing residents to stockpile food, fuel, and other necessities well in advance. The valley’s rugged terrain and lack of connectivity further add to the challenges, leaving many villages isolated for extended periods.
The deployment of the truck-mounted snow blower has revolutionised snow clearance operations in the remote valley, ensuring quicker connectivity and safer travel for residents and commuters.
