Shopian, Jan 28, KNT: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Chowdhary on Wednesday said the government has initiated action against officials found negligent in snow clearance operations in Shopian, asserting that the move is aimed solely at ensuring good governance and timely relief to the people.
Addressing concerns during his visit to Shopian, the Deputy Chief Minister said several issues raised by local legislators regarding delayed snow removal and road connectivity were taken seriously. He said action has already been initiated against officials who failed to respond promptly during recent snowfall.
Chowdhary acknowledged that delays in snow clearance cause immense hardship to inhabitants, affecting daily life, emergency services, education and economic activity. He said accountability is essential and officials must understand that public service demands responsibility, particularly during difficult weather conditions.
The Deputy Chief Minister said the government is actively considering a proposal for a separate mechanical division for Shopian so that the district does not have to depend on limited resources during snowfall and other emergencies. He said strengthening local capacity would help ensure quicker response and uninterrupted connectivity.
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Referring to political and administrative changes in Jammu and Kashmir, Chowdhary said when Omar Abdullah left office in 2014, Jammu and Kashmir was a state, whereas it is now a Union Territory. He said governance should be assessed in the present context, taking into account the structural changes that have taken place, rather than drawing comparisons without acknowledging these realities.
Speaking on the broader political landscape, the Deputy Chief Minister described Ajit Pawar as a people friendly leader known for being secular and approachable, adding that recent developments involving Pawar came as a surprise to many who have closely followed his political journey.
Chowdhary reiterated the government’s commitment to improving infrastructure, strengthening administrative mechanisms and ensuring that districts like Shopian receive focused attention. He said the priority remains the welfare of the people, transparent governance and swift action wherever lapses are found, assuring inhabitants that their concerns are being heard and acted upon.
The Deputy Chief Minister was accompanied by Zainapora MLA Showkat Hussain Ganie and Shopian MLA Shabir Ahmad Kullay. [KNT]
