Srinagar 06 January (KNB): The Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) uses equipment for the clearance of snow in the city which is primarily meant for the routine garbage collection said Mayor Srinagar, Junaid Azim Mattu.
According to the statement, Mattu said that the effective snow-clearance in lanes and by-lanes will remain improbable till SMC is equipped with adequate, modern snow-clearing machines. “Within Srinagar, main roads and link roads – including highways – are to be cleared of snow by MED and R&B Departments. SMC is tasked with clearance of nearly 7,500 lanes and by-lanes. Unofficially the number of lanes is in excess of 15,000,” statement read.
It further read that the tradition is to make-do with JCBs and loaders and spades and shovels which aren’t meant for snow-clearance and are equipped for routine garbage collection operations.
“SMC has less than 15 JCBs/loaders. Srinagar has at least 10,000 lanes that need snow clearance. The mathematics itself is improbable. For effective snow clearance one JCB/loader will have to clear around 700 lanes and by-lanes a day to complete the task within 24 hours. In a functional work day of 12 hours – that is one lane a minute. Factually it takes one machine 20 minutes to clear one lane. The mismatch between our requirement and available machines/manpower is astronomical.” Mattu said in a statement.
Mattu further said that around a year or more ago, the SMC F&P Committee had approved his proposal for the procurement of 25 4×4 snow-clearance machines with imported snow-blades and road salting dispensers. “Funds have been available since ,so funds haven’t been a problem. For some strange reason, the procurements weren’t made. On assuming office for my second term, I immediately sought a review of these crucial procurements but due to a shift from Bharat-5 to Bharat-6 emission grading, we couldn’t procure the machines this last month. I will ensure these crucial vehicles are procured – speedily, transparently.” he added.
He further stated that Images of snow being cleared with spades, shovels and JCBs should be an embarrassment in the present day and age — not something to be celebrated. To him it surely is an embarrassment. The field workers deserve dignity and respect and as such deserve modern equipment for mechanized snow clearance.
“We need to cut the red-tape to ensure speedy vital procurements and development. Our grievance redressal mechanisms/equipments are either absent or outdated and we will endeavor to push for systemic reforms in SMC. We inherited an SMC with nothing beyond brooms & handcarts – thanks to the neglect heaped upon SMC by successive governments in the past – including those who controlled SMC,” quoting Mattu from his Statement.
He said that he will ensure all codal formalities for the procurement of the required equipment and machines are initiated transparently and without delay – failing which he will publicly and honestly name those officials who are responsible for delays.
“With lack of machines and inadequate manpower, I express my gratitude to all SMC field staff for putting in their 100% since the past two days and nights. I have been out on the field with our field staff and have witnessed their hard-work and dedication. They deserve to be fully equipped and that is something I will pursue with my heart and soul,” added Mattu in his statement.
However, he also promised the people of Srinagar of a modern, better equipped and more effective urban local government in the form of SMC. “We have initiated this goal and we will see it through,” the statement reads. (KNB)