Dharamshala - The Winter Preparedness Meeting 2025-26 was held today in the Vidhan Sabha Committee Room, Dharamshala, under the chairmanship of Shri Sanjay Gupta, Chief Secretary, Himachal Pradesh. The chair emphasized the need for timely and well-coordinated winter preparedness across the State.
After that Sh. Kamlesh Kumar Pant, Additional Chief Secretary also highlighted the importance of implementing the Snow Manual, Cold Wave Action Plan, and ensuring prompt dissemination of weather advisories issued by IMD and DGRE.
Thereafter all the departments and Districts appraised the chair regarding their Winter Preparedness activities which is being carried out in their jurisdiction. A detailed review of district-wise preparedness was conducted with Chamba, Kinnaur, Kullu, Lahaul & Spiti, Shimla, and Sirmaur. The Deputy Commissioners shared the status of essential commodity stockpiling (foodgrains, LPG, medicines, fodder), functioning of EOCs, availability of ambulances with snow chains, testing of ISAT/VSAT systems, and coordination with Army, ITBP, Police, NDRF, and other agencies.
The Chief Secretary directed all departments and districts to ensure prompt dissemination of weather warnings, effective implementation of the Snow Manual and Cold Wave Action Plan, readiness of control rooms, pre-positioning of resources, and special vigilance in vulnerable and high-altitude areas. He stressed on ensuring uninterrupted essential services such as roads, electricity, water supply, health services, and communication during snowfall and severe cold conditions. He further directed to Fire department to organise awareness activities and mock drills to prevent fire cases in Winter Season.
Departments were instructed to conduct fire audits, maintain winter-specific traffic plans, ensure equipment maintenance, protect water pipes, and keep communication systems (ISAT/VSAT/VHF) in working condition. District administrations were also advised to strengthen coordination with SDRF, NDRF, Army, Air Force, ITBP, CISF, and SSB for emergency support.
The Chief Secretary emphasized the importance of IEC activities, mock drills, and timely reporting of damages through the digital platforms of HPSDMA.
The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks, reiterating the State Government’s commitment to ensuring robust preparedness for the upcoming winter season and safeguarding the lives and property of the people of Himachal Pradesh.
In this meeting, Shri Kamlesh Kumar Pant, Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue), senior officers from various departments, Deputy Commissioners, and representatives from IMD, DGRE, NDRF, PWD, JSV, ITBP and other key agencies participated, both in person and through video conference.Officers were present in the meeting Sh. C Palrasu, Secretary Agriculture & Horticulture, Raghav Sharma Director Rural Development, Ms. Anju Sharma Engineer in Chief Jal Shakti Vibhag, Sh. Aditya Negi, MD HPSEBL, Sh. Gurdev Sharma, DIG Law & Order, Dr. Nipun Jindal MD HRTC, Sh. Satpal Dhiman, Additional Secretary (Environment & Climate Change), Sh. DC Rana Director cum Special Secretary (Revenue-DMC), Er. Pankaj Chadha DM, HRTC Dharamshala, Sh. Sunil Kumar Additional Secretary (Revenue-DMC), Sh. Vinod Sharma Assistant Controller (F&A) etc.