Srinagar January 8: (KNS)   CPI(M) District Development Council (DDC) members of Kulgam  district Mohammad Afzal Parry, Gh Mohiudin Lone,Mohamad Abass Rather, Akhtara and Ruby Jan in a joint statement  have said that unprecedented snowfall in Kulgam district have caused massive power breakdown, road blockade and scarcity of the essential commodities. 

Kulgam district being mostly hilly and far-flung  has received heavy snowfall. In upper belt of the district, various places have witnessed more than 6 feet snowfall. Several villages are cut off from the district headquarters since last so many days.

With heavy snowfall, the administration seems to have come to a grinding halt. Snow is yet to be cleared on several roads in the district resulting in tremendous hardship to the general public especially ladies, elderly and patients who have to walk miles on foot to reach hospitals for treatment. 

There are few snow cutters and other machines in the whole district which are insufficient. The districts needs more snow cutters and other machinery. Mechanical Engineering department should speed up snow clearance on war footing basis. Despite constraints, administration should shoulder responsibility.  

The snowfall has resulted damaged power distribution lines causing massive power breakdown in the district which has plunged the district especially hilly and far-flung area into darkness. Although power supply in some places have been restored, but several areas are yet to be restored.

The CPI(M) DDC members have urged the district administration to expedite the restoration of power supply as people have been braving biting cold. The administration must ensure that there was no scarcity of essential commodities including LPG, kerosene oil and ration.(KNS)