Black spots on roads throughout the State should be identified to avoid accidents thus saving many precious lives and the crash barriers may be erected on such places. Chief Minister Shri Virbhadra Singh while presiding over meeting of State Disaster Management Authority here today disclosed this. He said that inquiry report on Dharampur bus stand of Mandi district in which huge losses occurred due to natural calamities should be given due consideration so that such incidents could not take place in future.He said Rs. 193.23 crore ( Rs. 63.23 crore by NDRF and Rs. 130 crore by SDRF) have been released during current financial year upto 31st August, 2017 to Deputy Commissioners and other departments to meet losses and damages suffered due to rains and other natural calamities. He said that losses worth Rs. 634.87 crore had been estimated upto 30th August, 2017. He said during current monsoon 289 persons lost their lives out of which 68 died due to natural calamities and 221 due to accidents.
Virbhadra Singh said that proper checks are required by the police to take action against those using mobile phones while driving and also conduct alcoholic tests particularly during night time. He said that we require strict check on drunken driving and mobile phones while driving to avoid accidents as many cases of accidents were reported due to these two factors. He said that awareness drive may be launched all over the State.The Chief Minister said that proper preparedness, planning and coordination amongst line departments should be made so that rehabilitation of affected persons could be done during natural calamities adding that the recent Kotrupi incident witnessed coordinated efforts of all the departments as well as local people also.The Chief Minister also released two booklets on the occasion.Revenue Minister Shri Kaul Singh Thakur appreciated the administration for taking effective steps for relief and rehabilitation of Kotrupi landslide victims. He said that spots prone to landslides should be identified and suitable measures be taken to stable them. He said that Information, Education and Communication on disaster management may be collected.Vice Chairman State Disaster Management Authority Shri Rajender Rana proposed vote of thanks.
Chief Secretary Shri V.C. Pharka gave valuable suggestions during the meeting.Additional Chief Secretary Revenue and DM Shri Tarun Shridhar conducted the proceedings of the meeting and apprised the steps being taken to mitigate the loss due to natural disasters.