KATHUA, MAY 15: Additional District Development Commissioner Kathua Surinder Mohan Sharma today chaired a comprehensive meeting to review monsoon preparedness and arrangements for tackling any eventuality arising during the rainy season.
The meeting was attended by ADC Vishavjeet Singh, DTO Jivtej Singh, Executive Engineer PWD, DIO, ARTO and officers from other concerned departments.
The ADDC stressed on proactive planning and inter-departmental coordination to minimize disruption during the monsoon season. He called for prompt response to emergencies arising due to heavy rains, flash floods, waterlogging and other weather-related incidents.
The stakeholder departments were asked to establish 24×7 Control Room and appoint dedicated nodal officers to ensure uninterrupted coordination and timely response during emergencies. The Power Development Department (PDD) was asked to submit regular status reports and ensure restoration mechanisms are kept ready for uninterrupted power supply.
Each Municipal Committee was directed to formulate a comprehensive sanitation and desilting plan, with special focus on cleaning of drains, nallahs and water channels to prevent waterlogging in urban areas. They were also asked to identify locations prone to flooding and maintain updated lists of affected areas.
The SDRF was instructed to ensure pre-positioning of manpower and necessary rescue equipment, besides conducting more mock drills at the subdivision level to strengthen preparedness and response capacity.
The Revenue Department was directed to formulate detailed evacuation plans for low-lying and flood-prone areas and identify safer locations for temporary lodgement of affected families in case of emergencies.
Reviewing water scarcity concerns, directions were issued for deployment of water tankers in Basohli and Billawar areas and preparation of a detailed list of affected habitations to ensure timely intervention.
The Health Department was asked to maintain adequate stock of medicines and ensure availability of all essential drugs well in time, besides keeping medical teams prepared for emergency deployment.
The ADDC also stressed the need for better communication and coordination among Police, Civil Defence and other emergency response agencies, particularly in case of frequent weather disruptions. He directed for maintaining updated details of all available manpower and equipment and called for establishment of control rooms at the subdivision level as well.
He further emphasized the importance of public awareness and asked departments to remain vigilant and responsive throughout the monsoon season to safeguard life and property.
The ADDC instructed all concerned officers to ensure timely execution of preparedness measures and maintain close coordination for effective disaster management during the monsoon period.
