U.T. Khader calls for preparedness against both floods and drought in Kodagu
Minister for Health and Family Welfare U.T. Khader, who has been assigned responsibility for disaster management in Kodagu district, directed officials to remain fully prepared
Minister for Health and Family Welfare U.T. Khader, who has been assigned responsibility for disaster management in Kodagu district, directed officials to remain fully prepared to tackle both excessive rainfall and drought. Chairing a disaster management review meeting in Madikeri on Sunday, the Minister said rainfall in Kodagu has so far been lower than during the corresponding period last year. However, normal rainfall is expected in July and August. Therefore, officials should be prepared to deal with any natural calamities, he said. At the same time, if the impact of the El Nino phenomenon results in deficient rainfall, the district should also be ready to tackle drought conditions, he added. Natural disasters do not come with prior warning, the Minister observed, adding that responding promptly to people during times of crisis is the foremost responsibility of the administration.
He instructed officials to discharge their duties with commitment and dedication. He further directed all officers to remain stationed at their headquarters over the next three months and ensure a prompt response to public grievances. The Minister said ₹3.05 crore is available in the Deputy Commissioner’s Personal Deposit (PD) account for disaster management, while a total of ₹1.41 crore is available in the PD accounts of the Tahsildars of the district’s five taluks. Hence, there is no shortage of funds for relief measures, he added. During the monsoon, trees and branches that fall along highways should be cleared promptly, and preventive pruning should be undertaken to prevent branches from falling on power lines, he said. He also instructed the Public Works and Panchayat Raj departments to use wet mix to repair pothole-ridden roads and prevent accidents. The Minister stressed that adequate precautions should be taken in schools and anganwadi centres during the rainy season.
Student hostels should maintain high standards of cleanliness, while safe drinking water and quality food must be provided. He stated that every government hospital in the district should have laboratory technicians and instructed health officials to take preventive measures against dengue, malaria and other communicable diseases, while ensuring quality healthcare services to the public. The Minister appreciated the role played by non-governmental organisations during emergencies and suggested that organisations rendering humanitarian service be honoured with appreciation certificates by the district administration. He directed officials to visit disaster-hit areas immediately whenever any untoward incident occurs, provide relief in accordance with government rules and discharge their responsibilities with compassion. Officials should instil confidence and provide emotional support to people affected by disasters. Department-wise review meetings will be held in the coming days, he added. He also said helplines have been established by the district administration, the police and CESC for disaster response, and appealed to the public to report emergencies through these channels.
The BriefWire