From shovels to snowploughs: the evolution of snow clearance infrastructure in Kashmir, India

Nadeem Akbar Najar, D. Parthasarathy and Arnab Jana

International Journal of Critical Infrastructures, 2025, vol. 21, issue 3, 209-227

Abstract: This research examines the evolution of snow clearance infrastructure in the Kashmir Valley and its direct link to critical infrastructure-transportation. The study analyses numerous data sources such as snow removal action plans, departmental letters, notes, presentations, requisition letters, and official communications using a qualitative research approach, specifically content analysis. The research demonstrates the severe influence of snow removal on critical infrastructure by applying the theoretical framework of punctuated equilibrium theory and analysing its components, including pluralism, conflict expansion, policy image, and venue shopping. The data show a major shift from manual snow removal practices to mechanised operations between 1987 and 2022, which was driven by significant punctuations. Furthermore, the study emphasises the continual evolution of snow removal practices in Kashmir, with a focus on the incorporation of cutting-edge technologies and globally popular methodologies to ensure the resilience and functionality of critical transportation networks. The study provides important insights for policymakers and winter road maintenance managers involved in managing essential infrastructure in snowy regions.

Keywords: critical infrastructure; snow clearance; evolution; punctuations; policy; action plans; India. (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=146871 (text/html)
Access to full text is restricted to subscribers.

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:ids:ijcist:v:21:y:2025:i:3:p:209-227

Access Statistics for this article

More articles in International Journal of Critical Infrastructures from Inderscience Enterprises Ltd
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Sarah Parker ().