In view of the prevailing and forecasted inclement weather conditions, Deputy Commissioner Rajouri Abhishek Sharma today chaired a meeting to review the preparedness and response mechanism of stakeholder departments to ensure the safety and well-being of the public.
Emphasizing the importance of proactive measures, the DC directed the concerned departments to remain on high alert. He specifically urged the general public to avoid venturing near water bodies during heavy rains, warning of possible rise in water levels and associated risks.
To maintain uninterrupted connectivity, the Executive Engineers of PWD and PMGSY were instructed to ensure prompt clearance of landslides in their respective jurisdictions. “All roads, especially those connecting remote areas must be maintained for emergency accessibility,” the DC asserted.
Noting the likelihood of disease outbreaks post-monsoon, the Deputy Commissioner stressed on maintaining hygiene and sanitation. He directed the Health Department, Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department and Rural Sanitation Department to ensure that ground water sources prone to contamination are cleaned and tested regularly.
“All necessary precautions should be taken to avoid any public health crisis” he ordered. The DC further instructed that any damage caused to infrastructure due to heavy rainfall must be reported in a timely and structured manner to enable swift response and restoration.
As a safety measure, the Deputy Commissioner announced that all schools in hilly areas, particularly private institutions, shall remain closed to ensure the safety of children. He said, “No risk shall be taken when it comes to the safety of our students in vulnerable zones.”
Directions were also issued to keep rescue teams on standby for any untoward incident. The departments concerned were asked to ensure uninterrupted supply of water, electricity, road connectivity and ration especially in far-flung areas.
The meeting was attended by ADC Kalakote, Tanvir Ahmed, ADC Kotranka, Dilmir, ADC Sunderbani Ramkesh Sharma, ADC Nowshera Pritam Lal Thapa, ACR Rajouri, Mohd Jahangir Khan, SDM Thanamandi, Abid Hussain, CEO Iqbal Hussain; AD FCS&CA, Rohit Kumar; Executive Engineer PHE, Sudesh Kumar Bhagat; Deputy Controller SDRF, Jabeen Lone; Executive Engineer PWD and Executive Engineer PMGSY and other district & sectoral officers.