Shimla MC divided into 5 sectors

Tribune News Service

Shimla, November 20

The Shimla Municipal Corporation has been divided into five sectors, headed by a nodal officer, to ensure that the normal services are not disrupted during the snowfall.

Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Apoorv Devgan held a review meeting for making advance preparations to meet any eventuality in the wake of heavy snowfall. He directed all the line departments to work in close coordination to maintain normal services so that no inconvenience is caused to people.

All the departments concerned would set up their control rooms, depute nodal officers and inform the Disaster Management Authority (DMA). The state Public Works Department, Municipal Corporation and National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) would maintain proper liaison to ensure that all the roads are cleared of snow. The departments would also prepare a list of manpower, equipment and machinery available with them and inform the DMA within a week.

Devgan said the approach roads to hospitals and other emergency services would be opened on top priority and availability of parking space would be displayed at the Tourism Office near Tuti Kandi by-pass so that the roads are not overcrowded due to parking of vehicles on the roadside and additional parking facility is created.

He asked the HRTC to arrange taxis for ferrying tourists from bypass to the main town and also directed the Jan Shakti Department to maintain regular water supply to the residents and tourists.

It was also decided that the state electricity board would coordinate with MC authorities. The Forest Department would axe the dry trees or prune accordingly for safety of transmission lines.

In view of Covid 19 pandemic, chained ambulances would be provided for bringing the patients to hospital and necessary directions would be issued for creating additional temporary parking at hospitals to avoid traffic jams.

Further, supply of food grains and other essential goods would be maintained.