*R&B denies use of private machinery, counters viral snow clearance claims*
*Fayaz Sofi*
Budgam, Jan 29, Kashmir Crux: The Roads and Buildings Sub Division Pakherpora has clarified that no private machinery was engaged for snow clearance on the Chelyan Chontinar road, responding to a video recently circulated on social media alleging private involvement in snow removal operations.
In an official report submitted to the Executive Engineer, R&B Division Charar i Sharief, the Assistant Executive Engineer, R&B Sub Division Pakherpora, stated that areas such as Bajipathi and Watkuloo do not fall under the jurisdiction of R&B Division Charar i Sharief, whereas Chelyan Chontinar comes under its administrative control.
The report said that from the very first day of snowfall on the intervening night of January 22 and 23, 2026, the sub division deployed five departmental machines for snow clearance on the Kanidajan Darwan Chelyan Chontinar main road, measuring around 10.5 kilometres, along with its allied links. It further said that two replacement machines were deployed on the morning of January 23 to ensure uninterrupted operations.
According to the report, one machine was deployed from the Chelyan Chontinar side, while the remaining machines operated from the Kanidajan side. The department said heavy snowfall, rooftop snow accumulation and landslides made the clearance work difficult and time consuming.
The Assistant Executive Engineer categorically stated that all snow clearance work on the said road has been carried out exclusively through departmental machines and snow stage contractors, and that no private machinery was engaged at any stage.
The clarification has been issued to address public concerns and counter misinformation circulating on social media regarding snow clearance operations in the area. [KC]
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