Srinagar, Jan 27: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has initiated departmental action against several officers of the Public Works (R&B) Department over alleged delay in snow clearance and unauthorized absence from duty during the recent spell of snowfall.
According to an official communication issued by the Public Works (R&B) Department, as per news agency Kashmir News Corner (KNC), the action follows a report dated January 25, 2026, from the Personal Section of the Deputy Chief Minister, J&K, after his visit to the Integrated Command & Control Centre (ICCC), Srinagar.
The order states that during the visit, Er. Sandeep Vaishnavi, Assistant Engineer, Machinery Division Srinagar, was found absent from duty. The issue was further brought to the notice of the authorities through complaints from elected representatives and public delegations from Shopian, Anantnag, Imam Sahib, Tangmarg, Zainapora and other areas of the Kashmir Division regarding alleged non-performance by certain officers and officials of the PW(R&B) Department.
The complaints cited failure in timely snow clearance, leading to disruption of road connectivity and essential services. Taking serious note of the matter, the Deputy Chief Minister has directed that the following officers and officials be placed under suspension and their duties reassigned as per administrative convenience, Er. Noor Din, AEE, PW(R&B) Sub Division Imam Sahib, Division Zainapora.
Er. Shabir Ahmad Ganie, AEE, Mechanical & Hospital Division Tangmarg. Er. Nasir, AE, Mechanical & Hospital Division Anantnag (Sub Division-II). Er. Sandeep Vaishnavi, AE (PM Package), Machinery Division Srinagar. Er. Ramiz, JE, Mechanical & Hospital Division Zainapora, Sub Division Imam Sahib.
The department has sought inputs from the concerned Chief Engineers to enable further proceedings in the matter within a day. The communication has been issued by Mohib Ali Bukhari, JKAS, Under Secretary to the Government.
Further action is expected after receipt of the required inputs from the concerned authorities. (KNC)
