Several PWD Officials Face Action Over Alleged Snow Clearance Lapses in Kashmir – Alfaaz – The Words

Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has initiated departmental proceedings against several officials of the Public Works (R&B) Department over delays in snow clearance and unauthorized absence from duty, which allegedly led to disruption of road connectivity and essential services in parts of Kashmir.

According to a communication issued by the Public Works (R&B) Department, the matter came to light following the visit of the Deputy Chief Minister, J&K, to the Integrated Command & Control Centre (ICCC), Srinagar, on January 25. During the visit, Er. Sandeep Vaishnavi, Assistant Engineer of the Machinery Division, Srinagar, was reportedly found absent from duty.

The communication further states that elected representatives and public delegations from Shopian, Anantnag, Imam Sahib, Tangmarg, Zainapora and other areas of the Kashmir Division brought to the notice of authorities that certain officers and officials of the PW(R&B) Department had failed to discharge their duties effectively. This alleged lapse resulted in delays in snow clearance operations and caused inconvenience to the public due to disruption of road connectivity and essential services.

Taking serious note of the issue, the Deputy Chief Minister directed that the concerned officers and officials be placed under suspension and that their duties be assigned to other officers as per administrative convenience.

The officers named in the communication include; Er. Noor Din, AEE (PW R&B Sub Division Imamsahib, Zainapora), Er. Shabir Ahmad Ganie, AEE (Mechanical & Hospital Division Tangmarg), Er. Nasir, AE (Mechanical & Hospital Division Anantnag, Sub Division-II), Er. Sandeep Vaishnavi, AE (PM Package, Machinery Division Srinagar), and Er. Ramiz, JE (Mechanical & Hospital Division Zainapora, Sub Division Imamsahib).

The Chief Engineers of Public Works (R&B) South Kashmir and Mechanical & Hospital Division Kashmir have been asked to furnish their inputs in the matter within a day to enable the department to proceed further with disciplinary action.