ITANAGAR : The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) Capital Region on Tuesday reviewed preparedness measures for the ensuing Southwest Monsoon during a meeting held at the Conference Hall of the Deputy Commissioner’s Camp Office at IG Park here.
The meeting, chaired by Capital Region Deputy Commissioner Toko Babu, was attended by officials of various departments and disaster management stakeholders.
Preparedness strategies and precautionary measures to minimise the impact of monsoon-related disasters were discussed in detail during the meeting.
Addressing the officials, the DC said, “All departments must work in close coordination and maintain readiness with adequate manpower, machinery and essential resources to respond promptly during emergencies.”
Capital Region District Disaster Management Officer (DDMO) informed the meeting that departmental roles and responsibilities had already been assigned through earlier orders. She urged departments to submit updated contingency lists of manpower and machinery for incorporation into the District Disaster Management Plan (DDMP) and updation of the India Disaster Resource Network (IDRN) portal. She also apprised the members about the Arunachal Pradesh Disaster Management Information System (APDMIS) portal.
The District Food and Civil Supplies Officer informed that sufficient stocks of essential commodities, including rice and LPG, are available and supply chains remain unaffected. Open grounds suitable for emergency operations and landings during exigencies have also been identified.
The District Medical Officer informed that Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) have been divided into five groups to cover the entire Capital Region during emergencies and to provide medical assistance in relief camps. Adequate stock and management of medicines have also been ensured.
Directing the Health Department to intensify awareness campaigns on monsoon-related diseases, the Deputy Commissioner said, “Public awareness on symptoms, preventive measures and health precautions during the monsoon season must be taken up extensively.”
The DC directed the Divisional Forest Officer and Itanagar Municipal Corporation authorities to undertake pruning and felling of vulnerable trees posing risks to human life and property. Work departments were instructed to ensure regular clearance of clogged drains and nallahs and keep men and machinery ready for emergency response.
The Executive Engineer of the Water Resources Department was directed to continuously monitor water levels in vulnerable rivers, while the Electrical Executive Engineer was asked to ensure protection of power infrastructure and uninterrupted electricity supply to relief camps.
The Executive Engineer of the Public Health Engineering Department, Itanagar-Naharlagun, was directed to identify vulnerable areas prone to pipeline disruptions and make alternative arrangements for water supply.
The DC also instructed all concerned departments to immediately report illegal earth-cutting activities and illegal constructions over drains. Administrative Officers were directed to supervise designated relief camps and ensure proper water and electricity facilities.
DDMA Co-Chairperson and Itanagar Mayor Likha Nari assured full cooperation and support in tackling any disaster-related eventualities during the monsoon season. (DIPR)
