SHOPIAN: In the aftermath of unprecedented heavy snowfall measuring 3 to 5 feet across major parts of Shopian district, the District Administration has swung into action, operating in full emergency mode since day one to restore essential services and clear vital routes.
Following the intervening night of January 22–23, all line departments were activated on a war footing, with round-the-clock deployment of manpower and machinery to clear snow from the national highway, district and link roads, hospital access routes, and other critical corridors. To accelerate restoration efforts, additional snow clearance machinery has also been mobilized from adjoining districts.
Despite the enormous challenge posed by massive snow accumulation across the district, significant progress has been achieved. Nearly 80 percent of priority-I (P1) roads and over 50 percent of priority-II (P2) roads have been cleared so far. However, authorities cautioned that complete restoration may take additional time due to the scale of snowfall.
Frontline workers of the Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) and Jal Shakti Department are working tirelessly to restore electricity and water supply. KPDCL has restored power in major parts of the district, while efforts are underway to cover remaining areas. Jal Shakti teams are continuously engaged in reviving water supply schemes.
Out of 92 Water Supply Schemes in the district, around 80 percent were affected, primarily due to heavy snow accumulation at headworks. As of now, approximately 70 percent of the affected schemes have been restored, with normal water supply resumed in those areas. Restoration of the remaining schemes is taking longer due to difficult terrain and snowbound, remotely located headworks. Officials, however, expressed optimism that almost all schemes will be restored and water supply fully normalized by tomorrow evening.
Deputy Commissioner Shopian, Shishir Gupta, is personally supervising the operations, conducting regular reviews, and issuing on-ground directions to ensure effective coordination and prompt response. Deputy Commissioner visited several areas of Shopian and Keller over the past two days to assess snow clearance and service restoration efforts.
All officers and officials have been directed to remain stationed in the field until complete restoration is achieved. District officers, tehsildars, sector officers, and engineering and supervisory staff are providing on-ground support, with special emphasis on easing traffic movement, facilitating the transportation of sick persons and expectant mothers to healthcare institutions, and carrying out rescue operations. Healthcare facilities across the district are functioning normally, providing all necessary care and assistance to patients.
Despite extremely challenging conditions and snowfall far exceeding expectations within a short span of time, the District Administration Shopian is leaving no stone unturned to safeguard public safety and convenience. Special focus is being laid on emergency services, healthcare access, and vulnerable habitations.
The District Administration has appealed to the public to cooperate with field teams and strictly follow official advisories, assuring that full restoration of all services will be ensured at the earliest across the district.
