AKHNOOR, JULY 18: A monsoon preparedness meeting was held today under the chairmanship of Sub Divisional Magistrate Akhnoor, Mukhter Ahmed to review the preparedness of line departments to deal with any eventuality during the monsoon season.
The SDM reviewed the status of desilting of drains and nallahs, flood protection measures, deployment of machinery, availability of rescue boats and pumping sets, emergency response mechanisms, road connectivity in vulnerable areas, power restoration arrangements, drinking water supply, medical preparedness, communication systems and functioning of Control Rooms.
The SDM directed departments to maintain coordination and remain on high alert throughout the monsoon season and instructed officers to identify vulnerable locations, ensure availability of manpower and equipment, maintain emergency stocks and keep quick response teams ready for immediate deployment.
The Flood Control Division was directed to monitor flood-prone stretches and strengthen protection measures, the Irrigation and Jal Shakti Departments to maintain drainage systems and ensure uninterrupted drinking water supply, the PWD (R&B) Department to keep men and machinery ready for restoration of road connectivity in case of landslides or blockages and the Police, Fire & Emergency Services, Civil Defence and Revenue Departments to maintain coordination for rescue, evacuation and relief operations. Field officers were instructed to remain available at their headquarters and respond promptly to emergencies.
The SDM stressed that prevention, preparedness and inter-departmental coordination are key to minimising the impact of monsoon-related disasters and directed departments to adhere to their action plans and ensure timely dissemination of weather advisories and public safety information.
Among those present were officers from the Police Department, Flood Control, Irrigation, Jal Shakti, PWD (R&B), PDD, Municipal Committee, Agriculture, Horticulture, Revenue, Rural Development, Social Welfare, Social Forestry, Fire & Emergency Services, Civil Defence, Health and other departments concerned.
Each department presented its preparedness plan, available resources and contingency measures for prompt response during emergencies.
