In a meeting held in Dehradun to review pre-monsoon preparations, Principal Secretary Dr. R. Meenakshi Sundaram issued strict directives regarding disaster management. He emphasized the need to prioritize and complete works related to addressing waterlogging, landslides, and flood protection before the onset of the monsoon.
Key highlights of the meeting:
• Water Drainage: Instructions were issued to form a joint team to ensure proper drainage in waterlogging-prone areas of the city—including the ISBT—and to expedite the cleaning of 12 major drains.
• Disaster Management: Special monitoring will be conducted for the district’s 12 landslide and chronic slip zones. Additionally, early warning systems will be strengthened in areas susceptible to waterlogging and cloudbursts.
• Public Safety: Arrangements have been made to admit pregnant women from high-risk areas to nearby hospitals well in advance; the administration will bear the full cost of their food and accommodation.
• Health: Orders were issued to conduct fogging and launch extensive public awareness campaigns to prevent vector-borne diseases such as dengue and malaria.
• Monitoring: The District Disaster Management Authority’s war room will remain operational 24×7.
The Principal Secretary also conducted a field inspection of the Karligaad and Majhada areas to assess rehabilitation efforts. All departments have been directed to work in coordination and ensure a rapid response to any disaster situation in order to minimize the loss of life and property.
