Srinagar, January 27, 2026 : The Jammu and Kashmir Government has suspended five officials of the Public Works (R&B) Department for alleged lapses in snow clearance operations and unauthorized absence from duty, officials said on Tuesday.
According to an official communication issued by the Public Works (R&B) Department, the action followed serious observations made during the visit of the Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister to the Integrated Command & Control Centre (ICCC), Srinagar, on January 25.
During the inspection, Er. Sandeep Vaishnavi, Assistant Engineer, Machinery Division Srinagar, was reportedly found absent from duty at a critical time when snow clearance operations were underway. The issue gained further attention after several elected representatives and public delegations from Shopian, Anantnag, Imam Sahib, Tangmarg, Zainapora and other areas of Kashmir Division lodged complaints regarding poor performance of certain PWD (R&B) officials.
The complaints highlighted delays in snow clearance, disruption of road connectivity and inconvenience to the public, particularly during the recent spell of heavy snowfall that severely affected normal life and essential services across the Valley.
Taking serious note of the matter, the Deputy Chief Minister directed immediate suspension of the concerned officers and officials and ordered initiation of departmental proceedings against them. Their responsibilities have been reassigned to other officers to ensure that snow clearance and road restoration work is carried out without further delay.
The officials placed under suspension include Er. Noor Din, Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE); Er. Shabir Ahmad Ganie, AEE; Er. Nasir, Assistant Engineer (AE); Er. Sandeep Vaishnavi, AE (PM Package); and Er. Ramiz, Junior Engineer (JE), who were posted in different divisions and sub-divisions of South Kashmir and Srinagar.
The Chief Engineers concerned have been directed to submit their inputs and reports to facilitate further departmental action, the communication added.
The government reiterated its commitment to ensuring accountability and timely delivery of essential services, especially during adverse weather conditions, and warned that negligence of duty would not be tolerated.
