Deputy Commissioner Ramban Mohammad Alyas Khan today chaired a high-level pre-monsoon preparedness meeting to review the district's readiness for tackling challenges that may arise during the ensuing monsoon season, particularly in view of the forthcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026.
The meeting was attended by Senior Superintendent of Police Arun Gupta, SSP Traffic NHW Raja Adil Hameed, Additional Deputy Commissioner Varunjeet Singh Charak, Assistant Commissioner Revenue Shokat Hayat Mattoo, Chief Planning Officer Dr. Shakeeb Ahmed Rather and officers from CRPF, Army, NHAI, BRO, SDRF and other concerned departments.
Sub-Divisional Magistrates and other field officers participated virtually. The Deputy Commissioner noted that Ramban is highly vulnerable to natural disasters such as flash floods, cloudbursts and landslides. He directed all departments, particularly those associated with emergency and essential services, to formulate comprehensive action plans based on previous disaster experiences in the district and ensure prompt response mechanisms during emergencies.
The Deputy Commissioner directed all SDMs and the ACR to ensure round-the-clock functioning of control rooms in their respective jurisdictions. He instructed the ACR to closely monitor and coordinate the functioning of all control rooms and maintain seamless communication among stakeholders during emergencies.
He further directed all SDMs, Tehsildars and field officers to ensure real-time reporting of any untoward incidents or emergency situations to facilitate swift rescue and relief operations, and stressed the need for widespread dissemination of advisories issued by the District Administration and other competent authorities during the monsoon season.
The Deputy Commissioner directed telecom service providers, including Jio, Airtel and BSNL, to ensure uninterrupted network connectivity across the district, with special focus on shadow and the remote areas to facilitate communication during emergencies.
To strengthen disaster response at the grassroots level, the Deputy Commissioner instructed concerned officers to equip all Civil Quick Response Teams (QRTs) operating across the district. SDMs were directed to convene meetings with QRT members in their respective jurisdictions and identify safe accommodation facilities for use during emergencies.
The SDRF was directed to conduct capacity-building programmes and mock drills in coordination with SDMs and the ACR at all identified vulnerable locations to enhance preparedness and response capabilities. The Deputy Commissioner directed road construction and maintenance agencies; NHAI, PMGSY, PWD and BRO, to position adequate men and machinery at vulnerable stretches under their respective jurisdictions and ensure availability of ambulances for immediate response during emergencies.
The Chief Medical Officer and Assistant Regional Transport Officer were directed to ensure that all ambulances remain fully functional and readily available for emergency deployment. JPDCL and the Jal Shakti Department were instructed to prepare contingency plans and maintain adequate stocks of essential materials and equipment to restore services promptly in the event of disruptions caused by adverse weather.
The Fire and Emergency Services Department was directed to ensure strategic positioning and operational readiness of fire tenders at vulnerable locations and make all necessary preparations for emergency response. The District Sheep Husbandry Officer, Chief Animal Husbandry Officer and Chief Education Officer were directed to create awareness among livestock owners regarding the shifting of animals to safer locations, and to conduct safety audits of school buildings to ensure the well-being of students.
SSP Ramban and SSP Traffic NHW highlighted various critical issues relating to public safety, traffic management and emergency response, on which the Deputy Commissioner issued necessary directions to the concerned departments. Officers of the CRPF and Army also shared their preparedness plans and offered suggestions for strengthening inter-agency coordination and disaster response mechanisms.
The Deputy Commissioner emphasised coordinated efforts among all departments and agencies to ensure the safety and well-being of residents and pilgrims during the monsoon season and directed all stakeholders to remain fully prepared to respond effectively to any emergency situation.