Jammu: Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Dr Raghav Langer Tuesday chaired a meeting of Deputy Commissioners and HODs of Key departments to review the status of disaster management and preparedness plan, including flood control measures and response mechanism put in place to tackle any exigency in the prevailing rainy season.
The Divisional Commissioner directed the Deputy Commissioners to activate 24×7 control rooms in districts and issue duty rosters. He also asked them to notify the contact details of the concerned department officials so that they were easily contacted and initiate prompt action on every call. He also instructed the DCs to regularly review action taken by the departments and ensure that the log book is maintained in the control room regarding the action taken.
It was informed that the Departments like, Jal Shakti, JPDCL, Irrigation and others have set up control rooms.
The Div Com also instructed the DCs to activate District Information centers for proper monitoring of the twitter, social media reports regarding flood, water logging, property damage, any disaster like situations so that action can be taken accordingly. The DIOs will also issue rebuttal regarding action taken.
While discussing the rescue response during disasters, the Div Com stressed upon the need for close coordination among different departments. He asked the DCs for establishment of dedicated Emergency Operation Centres to minimize damages during disasters.
While reviewing availability of relief material, the Div Com asked the DCs to assess the inventory available for relief distribution and further procurement of the required material.
Detailed discussion was held on issues like procurement of rescue equipments, community based disaster management, inventory of resources, critical infrastructure, Emergency Operations Centre besides financial aspects and other vital issues.
He asked the DCs to gainfully utilize funds provided under State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF).
The Div Com also directed the DCs to identify locations to provide safe shelters to people during any disaster and ensure the availability of water, power, ration etc.
The Divisional Commissioner further asked the officers to adhere to the guidelines of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), to minimize vulnerability to floods and consequent loss of lives, property and damage to infrastructure and public utilities.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Commissioners apprised the Div Com about the loss/damages occurred due to recent rainfall/floods in their respective districts. They informed about loss of lives, property damage, infrastructure, public utilities and cost of temporary restoration.
It was informed that the majority of restoration work has been completed in the districts, while the rest of work is in progress. He also directed the concerned to update the Disaster Management plans and rectify the deficiencies, if any. He exhorted the officers to complete all restoration works so that people do not face any inconvenience.
While reviewing the damages occurred in the districts, the Div Com asked the DCs to provide details in the prescribed format. He instructed the DCs to approve & reject the compensation/ damage cases in a time bound manner so that the cases of property damage, infrastructure damage be disposed of timely.
Taking strong note of water logging on different roads, the Div Com directed the Chief Engineer, PWD to find out a permanent solution, while ERA was directed to make a plan for city drainage network improvement on priority.
JMC, UEED was instructed to identify locations, outfall channels where there is a water logging issue and take preventive steps. He also directed the concerned departments to carryout regular de- silting of nullahs.
The meeting was attended by Commissioner JMC, DC Doda, CO SDRF, Chief Engineers of Jal Shakti, JPDCL, Irrigation & Flood control, PWD besides Director ERA, Additional Commissioners with Div Com, Assistant Commissioner Central, senior functionaries of UEED, JDA and other concerned officers while Deputy Commissioners of Jammu division along with other concerned officers attended the meeting through video conferencing.
