Chief Secretary B.K Agarwal today held video conference with all the Deputy Commissioners of the state to review the preparedness for winter season and visit of the central governments team for assessment of losses to the state during the monsoon season.He directed the district level committees to hold meeting with all the line departments during this month for making preparations for the winters as per the snow manual and disaster management guidelines so that immediate measures can be taken in case of any emergency. He asked to take preventive measures for fire incidents and carrying out mock drills up to sub-division level.The Chief Secretary stressed on improving communication system, especially in tribal and far-flung areas for ensuring immediate and proper reporting of any untoward incident. He said the state government would provide VSAT and satellite phone to all the sub-divisional headquarters of the tribal districts and other district headquarters of the state. He also emphasized on increasing the communication points and directed the BSNL to ensure better connectivity during winter season.He directed the Deputy Commissioners to make it sure that there is no lack of communication between the departments during holidays and IEC activities are taken on priority by involving Gram Panchayats to issue advisory to people during adverse weather conditions. He also directed that Director General of Police should hold meeting with the police officers to chalk out strategy for rescue and relief measures and better communication network during the winters.
B.K Agarwal said that keeping in view that the Rohtang Pass has been officially closed from 15 November, 2018 the state government would soon arrange flights to the tribal areas to facilitate the people.He said that a central team is visiting the state on 26 and 27 November, 2018 to assess on the spot damages due to cloud burst, flash flood and landslides during the monsoon season. The team would visit Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti, Kangra and Chamba districts.Additional Chief Secretary, Revenue Manisha Nanda directed the Deputy Commissioners concerned to identify the places to show damages occurred to the roads, IPH schemes and agriculture sector etc. so that the central team could be convinced about the extent of damages state has suffered.She also asked to ensure better transportation arrangements and evacuation of people in case they get stranded somewhere due to natural disaster. She said district administration should take effective steps to prevent fire incidents, which are more common during winters.It was informed by the Deputy Commissioners that there was no scarcity of ration, petrol and other essential commodities in their districts and all the required arrangements have already been made for the winters.Special Secretary, Revenue and Disaster Management D.C Rana while conducting the proceedings of the meeting apprised that there no damages have been reported from any part of the state due to snowfall and rains during last two days. He said district level authorities have been advised to keep a close watch, monitor the situation in their areas regularly and take appropriate measures.The representatives of BRO, BSF, meteorological department, police department and BSNL were present in the meeting.