Srinagar, June 3: Engineers in Kashmir have indigenously designed a low cost machine to clear the snow in narrow lanes and link roads in the region.

Made in one-and-a-half-months by the Mechanical Engineering Department (MED) of Kashmir, the 'Snow Cat 2007' will help in clearing snow on the narrow roads especially in far-flung areas.

"Whenever we used to visit the far flung villages, we felt the need for a machine which is small and could be easily taken to narrow places. We have less number of machines and they cannot be used everywhere. So, the need for such a machine was being felt for a long time," said Abdul Qayoom, machine maker and operator.

The machine has raised hope among the residents about mechanising the snow clearing operations, which till now is mostly being done manually.

"Basically, whenever there used to be snow in the state, the operations for clearing it used to be time consuming which was very troublesome for the residents as they had to wait for the clearance of small link roads. If the clearance of small and narrow roads also becomes mechanized then it would really benefit the residents," said Bashir Ahmed, a resident.

The trial of this machine was held on April 17 successfully in Gulmarg. The authorities plan to introduce more such machines in the state. (ANI)