Govt initiates action against engineers over snow clearance delays, absence

RK News
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28 Jan 2026

Srinagar, Jan 27: The Public Works (R&B) Department, Jammu and Kashmir has started departmental proceedings against several engineers for delays in snow clearance and alleged unauthorised absence from duty during the recent spell of snowfall. The move follows observations made during the Deputy Chief Minister’s visit to the Integrated Command and Control Centre in Srinagar on January 25. An official communication issued by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir states that some officers and officials of the department failed to discharge their responsibilities effectively, leading to delayed snow removal, disruption of road connectivity and inconvenience to the public. The communication further records that an Assistant Engineer of the Machinery Division, Srinagar, was found absent from duty at the time of the Deputy Chief Minister’s visit. The lapse was reportedly highlighted through representations submitted by elected representatives and public delegations from Shopian, Anantnag, Imamsahib, Tangmarg, Zainapora and other areas of the Kashmir division. Taking note of the findings, the Deputy Chief Minister directed that officers found responsible be placed under suspension and their duties assigned to other officers as required. The District Mineral Officer was also instructed to initiate formal proceedings, including registration of FIRs wherever warranted, against those found guilty of dereliction of duty. Officials against whom action has been initiated include engineers posted in various sub-divisions, as well as mechanical and hospital divisions, in Imamsahib, Tangmarg, Zainapora, Anantnag and Srinagar, as per the list attached to the government communication. The Chief Engineers of the Public Works (R&B) Department and the Mechanical and Hospital Development Department have been directed to submit their inputs within a stipulated time frame to facilitate further action.