Chief Secretary V.C Pharka today directed all stakeholder departments of the state government to gear up for the ongoing monsoon so that any loss of lives and property could be saved in the state.He was presiding over a review meeting organised here today to take necessary preventive steps for the monsoon attended by senior officers of various departments and representatives from central agencies and other stakeholders. Deputy Commissioners also participated through video conference and apprised about the preventive measures being undertaken to minimize the losses during monsoon.Shri Pharka directed all the Deputy Commissioners to conduct special drive for prevention of epidemics, water borne diseases and taking corrective measures immediately. He asked them to generate mass awareness amongst tourists, trekkers and public for taking precautionary measures, besides ensuring better coordination amongst the concerned departments to mitigate the effects of natural calamities and proper maintenance of essential services.
The Chief Secretary directed to ensure that there was an immediate response and remedial actions and proper dissemination of warning or alerts. The blocked roads should be reopened immediately and any alternate routes available should also be monitored. In case of damage to the water pipelines, the restoration work should be taken on top priority to avoid inconvenience to the public.He directed the Deputy Commissioners of Shimla, Kullu, Chamba, Kinnaur and Mandi districts to activate the field staff and mechanism to ensure the smooth flow of traffic during apple season. The line departments were also asked to prepare and update quantum of losses so that after compilation, it could be forwarded well in time to the Govt. of India.Shri Pharka directed to ensure that reports from the State Geologist regarding any possible landslide prone area, particularly the landslides in Pandoh area of Mandi district, Banaur and Malgi areas in Sirmour District and Mane village in Spiti should be followed up immediately to take corrective measures.
The Commissioner of MC Shimla was asked to ensure the damaged sewerage pipes immediately and also to avoid movement of garbage trucks during peak working hours. Additional Chief Secretary, Revenue and Disaster Management Shri Tarun Sridhar said that the resource inventory of the equipments available at the district level has been updated on the website of HP State Disaster Management Authority, which needed to be updated regularly in coordination with all stakeholder departments.Principal Secretary, Home Shri Parbodh Saxena, Principal Secretary IPH Smt. Anuradha Thakur, Special Secretary, Revenue and Disaster Management Shri D.D. Sharma, Commissioner MC Shimla Shri G.C.Negi alongwith other senior officers of various departments attended the meeting.