Departments to adopt proactive approach for mitigating monsoon disasters : Anil Khachi

Shimla : Special attention is required to be paid for dissemination of advisories besides adequate preparedness for the impending monsoon season by all the Deputy Commissioners, Departments and other organizations so as to avoid loss to life and property during the monsoons, which are expected to be above normal as per India Meteorological Department (IMD).This was stated by Chief Secretary, Anil Khachi, while presiding over the meeting pertaining to preparedness for the approaching monsoons in the state.Vulnerable portions prone to landslides, floods should be identified and the public works department should be proactive in positioning men and machinery so that the general public should not face any difficulty.The areas which were likely to get cut off due to natural disasters should be stocked with sufficient food, fodder and fuel well in time. Particularly, the tribal regions of the state like Kinnaur, Lahaul-Spiti, Pangi, Bharmour, Dodra-Kawar, which often get cut off during heavy rains be provided with adequate food-grain and other essentials, remarked Shri Khachi.Referring to Shimla and other townships in the state, the Chief Secretary said that the Deputy Commissioners, the Urban Local Bodies, the Municipal Corporation/councils should deploy enough labour to clean the drains and avoid clogging which may result in water making ways to houses or on roads causing damage. He also asked the DC’s to ensure removal of encroachments and blockage from the drainage systems and flood plains.The people who have their habitations around river beds and nallahs prone to flooding, be sensitised about their safety and early warnings could be issued to them in case of heavy downpour. In order to respond to emergencies effectively, relief and rescue teams need to be on high alert.
The Chief Secretary stressed for sending proposals for inventory required for relief and rescue operation. Your emergency response teams needs to be sensitised during trainings in wake of COVID-19 as well. The potential COVID patient if any, be need to be given assistance and, not let the lack of equipments including the Personal Protective Equipment be a reason to spread of COVID, during relief and rescue. said he. The Deputy Commissioners should hold review meets with the concerned Dam Authorities and make sure that compliance of adhering to advisories and warning system before releasing dam waters is according to the guidelines of Central Water Commission (CWC). Direction were issued to Electricity department to take corrective measures well in advance like not letting the loose wires hang over the habitations causing threat of electrocution to the people and live stock. . Besides, all the Deputy Commissioners should review with the CMO’s that there was enough availability of anti-venom vaccine. Adequate stocking of medicines and availability thereof be ensured, remarked Sh. Khachi.So far congregations are prohibited all over the state , but if they are permitted or allowed in times to come, we should be prepared for getting religious yatras organized mannerly during monsoon period keeping in mind the precautionary measures related to COVID as well. The Chief Secretary also directed the concerned deputy commissioners for giving immediate approvals for estimates submitted for installation of Doppler Weather Radar and for getting Forests clearances wherever required for the purpose. Principal Secretary, Revenue and Disaster Management , Onkar Sharma directed that all the funds provided to the DC’s for mitigation of disasters should be utilised as per the norms and the utilisation certificates be submitted at the earliest so that additional funds can be provided for mitigation of disasters during the impending monsoons.He also stressed for identifying the land for Himachal Pradesh Disaster Response Force in Kangra, Mandi and Shimla. DC Rana Director cum Special Secretary revenue read the agendas items and also detailed about the present scenario and the preparedness measures to be adopted during the approaching rainy season.Senior officers from civil and police, including those from IMD, CWC were also present on the occasion amongst others.