Rains Aftermath: Chief Secretary asks DCs to monitor, promptly respond to situation

SRINAGAR, JUNE 30: Chief Secretary, Shri B V R Subrahmanyam today chaired a video conference with Deputy Commissioner’s and District SPs to review the preparedness in the wake of incessant rains and the developing flood like situation in certain districts across the state.

Principal Secretary, Home, Commissioner/Secretary, PW(R&B), Secretary PHE & I&FC, Secretary, Information, Secretary, Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation & Reconstruction (DMRR&R) and other senior officers attended the meeting. Divisional Commissioner, Jammu participated in the meeting through video conferencing.

DCs were asked to alert people living in low lying/ vulnerable areas, to be vigilant about the flood situation and be in preparedness for evacuation-currently, this is only an alert for being prepared and people should be on the lookout for the next alert for evacuation, if necessary.

Instructions were issued to DCs/District SPs to ensure officers remain stationed at their headquarters, control rooms with a helpline number working 24x7, under the supervision of a competent nodal officer, alert system is in place to inform/update the public on real time basis, adequate manpower component of Civil, SDRF and Police is available, rescue equipment is in good operational condition and shelters/evacuation centers are ready with basic facilities like food, water, medicine, blankets etc.

 Chief Secretary asked DCs/ District SPs to anticipate the magnitude of the rescue and relief effort needed in the district especially in low lying/ vulnerable spots, in the event of floods. He stressed upon the DCs to study the District Disaster Action Plan carefully along-with the concerned implementing line department/agency for role clarity and greater coordination and synergy. District SPs were further asked to ensure that the property and other belongings of the people who are shifted in the event of flood are safeguarded.

DCs were instructed to immediately project requirement of funds, if need be, to deal with the overall disaster management effort in the district with the Financial Commissioner, Revenue and the concerned Divisional Commissioner.

Directions were issued to Secretary, PHE, I&FC for issuing a necessary advisory with regard to usage of drinking water by the people and DCs to take appropriate steps for de-watering of water logged areas.

Chief Secretary asked Divisional Commissioner, Jammu to ensure that people stranded due to inclement weather on National Highway are attended to and traffic on various routes is properly managed. He asked all concerned DCs to ensure that Shri Amarnathji pilgrims do not face any inconvenience.

Secretary, DMRR&R was asked to monitor and coordinate the overall disaster management effort with the DCs and ensure that instructions have been complied with.