A preparedness meeting for impending monsoon season-2018 was convened under the Chairmanship of Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue- Disaster Management) Manisha Nanda, here today. The Deputy Commissioners participated through video conference along with district level officers.The meeting was held to keep the concerned departments in readiness for the monsoon season, and to direct them to take steps as are necessary to prevent damages and loss to human life.Manisha Nanda directed the Public Works department, Municipal Corporations/Councils and Panchayati Raj institutions to ensure the cleaning of drains, channels, nallahs in a campaign mode. They were directed for pre-monsoon de-siltation, clearing of water channels, removal of blockage and encroachments from the drainage systems and flood plains.She said special attention should be paid for dissemination of weather advisories, early warning and weather forecast issued by the IMD. She said “Now Cast” advisories issued by IMD at a notice of three-four hours also needs to be disseminated quickly. The power authorities needs to be requested to put in place adequate system of alerting the public in downstream to avoid losses due to sudden flow of water which may result loss of life and property. They should make adequate arrangements to alert the population at the downstream at their own and keep the district authorities in the loop too. She said vulnerable population should be shifted or evacuated, wherever and whenever needed. The early warnings issued by the Central Water Commission should also be seen regularly and the public may be informed using electronic and print media.
The DCs were directed to identify landslides prone areas, vulnerable roads stretches, and make adequate arrangements for clearing of roads in the event of blockades. They were asked for storage of essential items for relief purpose in emergency situations.The DCs, Department of Fire Services and Home Guards were directed to respond to emergencies effectively, and the companies of Home Guards located in different parts of the State be kept in ready position.She directed the DCs for liasioning and coordination with Regional Response Centres (Local Units of ITBP, etc.) and Indian Army in advance for emergency situation. The District authorities were directed to consider identifying the volunteers and divers for the emergency situation/response.She said the DCs should ensure functioning of emergency operations centres (control rooms) EOCs and prepare communication plan up to the village level. They were directed to identify and ensure clearing of uprooted trees without much loss of time from roads, etc.The PWD was directed to ensure availability of temporary bridges and pre-position them suitably while the Irrigation and Public Health Department was asked to take steps for providing safe drinking water and regular cleaning of water sources in order to prevent outbreak of water borne diseases.She said the Deputy Commissioners should carry out IEC activities with regard to hazards such as floods/flash floods, lightning, snake bites, electrocution.Special Secretary (Revenue- Disaster Management), representatives from various government departments including PWD, IPH, Agriculture, Horticulture and Central Water Commission attended the meeting.