District Development Commissioner Kupwara, Khalid Jahangir today chaired a meeting of officers at DC Office Complex to review the status of Disaster preparedness in view of the incessant rains that lashed the valley.The meeting was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner Handwara, Pir Muzaffar, ACR, SDM Lolab, SDM Karnah, CMO, CEO, Executive Engineers of R&B PHE PDD, Tehsildars, EO Municipal Committee Handwara, DySP, AEE I&FC, officials of SDRF and other concerned.On the occasion, DC exhorted upon all concerned to remain prepared to deal with any kind of eventuality that may arise due to inclement weather conditions and called for close coordination between all the concerned departments to safeguard life and property.He directed the CEO to organise school safety programmes in the district and impart disaster management training to the students and teachers as a preparedness measure.
He directed I & FC and Revenue officials to remove encroachments of Nallas on priority basis for smooth flow of water and to prevent overflow during heavy rains.While reviewing the preparedness of health department, the DC said that the first and foremost priority should be given to the health sector and directed CMO for imparting first aid training to SDRF officials in far-flung areas and make sure availability of medicines at all health centres.PDD officials were directed to identify the locations in far-flung areas like Tanghdar, Keran, Machil and other places of the district where resources of PDD need to be augmented for prompt rescue and response during any eventuality.DC also directed all officials to prepare a comprehensive Disaster Management Plan within two days. He said that the next review meeting will be held within two weeks to keep track of the developments emerging as a result of incessant rains.He directed all the heads of departments to ensure punctuality of employees and seek prior permission from competent authority before leaving headquarters. He directed for continuous monitoring of situation to contain any emergency.