Srinagar, Jan 25 (KNS): Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhury on Sunday issued a sharp warning to officials over the "lack of preparedness" for winter, stating that he will rely on public feedback rather than bureaucratic assurances ahead of another predicted snowfall.
Speaking to Kashmir News Service(KNS), Choudhury expressed dissatisfaction with the administrative response following recent snow, despite prior directives to prepare for winter conditions.
"I had clearly instructed the Chief Engineer in a Secretariat meeting to prepare for snow. They made big promises that they were ready. But after a little snowfall, their condition is exposed. A cry for help has started from everywhere," he said.
He alleged that some officers were offering excuses instead of taking responsibility and that a control room he had mandated was not set up as required. "I will not go away quietly from here. I am not among those who stay silent," Choudhury said.
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The Deputy CM emphasised a ground-level approach to governance, stating he will take feedback directly from MLAs and the public. He dismissed official briefings as irrelevant if disconnected from public hardships and said he personally cross-checks reports against actual ground conditions.
Choudhury rejected what he described as a "helpless" attitude in departments. "The engineer who has made himself helpless should stay home. The minister is not helpless, the government is not helpless. We are accountable," he said, warning of strict action against officials failing in their duties.
He also dismissed token visits by officials for publicity, saying tours are meant for verification, not photo opportunities.
The warning comes after heavy snowfall in Kashmir on Friday, ending a prolonged dry spell. The weather department has predicted another snowfall likely from Monday.(KNS)