Dehradun, Nov. 7 -- With the onset of winter, the Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority (USDMA) has instructed all districts to prepare and implement a comprehensive action plan to combat upcoming cold waves. The directive was issued on Thursday during a high-level review meeting chaired by Anand Swaroop, Additional Chief Executive Officer (Administration), USDMA, who emphasised the need to safeguard vulnerable sections of society and ensure readiness across districts. During the meeting, which was attended by officials from all 13 districts via video conference, Swaroop reviewed preparations being made at the district level and laid out detailed instructions to mitigate the impact of severe cold conditions. He said that night shelters for the homeless and destitute must be adequately equipped and, if needed, increased in number. "Cleanliness in night shelters must be maintained, and essential items such as heaters, water heaters, adequate bedding, and blankets should be provided," he said. He also directed officials to ensure bonfires at key public spots, including bus stands, railway stations, and busy intersections, so that people exposed to the cold can find temporary relief. Swaroop further stressed that district administrations must stock essential food supplies for two to three months in snow-prone areas where road access could be cut off during heavy snowfall. "Arrangements for machinery such as JCBs, Poclains, snow cutters, and vehicle chains should be made to clear blocked roads and rescue stranded vehicles," he said. He added that frost and icy roads in the hill districts often cause accidents, urging officials to sprinkle lime and salt on frost-affected roads and install warning signboards at accident-prone locations. Additional Chief Executive Officer (Implementation) DIG USDMA Rajkumar Negi said that the winter travel season has already begun, with a growing influx of tourists and pilgrims to the hill districts. "All facilities must be ensured for domestic and international visitors. In case tourists are stranded due to heavy snowfall, arrangements for temporary shelter, food, and warmth should be made immediately," he said. Swaroop also directed that special attention be given to stray and abandoned animals during the cold wave. He urged districts to coordinate with the Animal Husbandry Department to identify shelter locations for animals and to adopt a humanitarian approach in the process. He said a campaign must be launched to bring homeless persons to night shelters, and public announcements should be made to inform people about their locations. Each district has been instructed to share the GPS coordinates of night shelters and bonfire sites with the USDMA. Swaroop also directed health officials to collect data on pregnant women to ensure that timely medical aid can be provided during emergencies. Acknowledging the hardships faced by people displaced by disasters earlier this year, Swaroop said that special care should be extended to families living in relief camps. "Their housing, food, and medical needs must be taken care of so that they do not suffer during the cold wave," he said.Swaroop also drew attention to the rising risk of dense fog in the plains, which poses challenges for road safety. He instructed district officials to work with the Transport Department to install reflectors on vehicles, run awareness campaigns, and conduct regular monitoring of fog-prone routes. He said that the administration must remain on alert throughout the season....