Doda: A review meeting to assess the damages caused by recent heavy rains, floods and thunderstorms was convened on Tuesday in the Mini Conference Hall of the DC Office Complex Doda.
The meeting was chaired by Deputy Commissioner and Chairman District Disaster Management Authority, Harvinder Singh.
A detailed review was conducted regarding key strategies and coordination required during natural calamities including the losses suffered across the district such as damage to roads, public infrastructure and essential services.
The meeting was attended by SSP Sandeep Kumar Mehta; ADC; Anil Kumar Thakur; ACR Ashraf Pervez ACD Manoj Kumar; officers from BRO, NHIDCL Fire & Emergency Services, SDRF, Traffic Police and heads of key departments including Health Education Agriculture Animal Husbandry Horticulture Jal Shakti PMGSY REW PWD and JPDCL Outstation officers joined the meeting virtually.
During the meeting the DC directed the ADC to ensure that one magistrate remains stationed at the DC Office round-the-clock to handle emergency situations. He instructed Executive Engineers to prioritize the restoration of connectivity and essential services emphasizing the need for coordinated efforts he reviewed the arrangements made by SDRF and directed officials to ensure the readiness of all emergency equipment including diver kits and Aapda Mitra kits.
SSP noted that the district falls under Seismic Zone 5 which necessitates high alertness by all nodal officers. He also briefed the meeting on the consequences of the recent extreme weather and emphasized the need for a strategic disaster management plan.
The DC identified sensitive and vulnerable areas in the district and stressed the importance of strengthening protection walls around critical buildings. He instructed NHIDCL officials to maintain proper infrastructure arrangements and directed the Fire & Emergency Services to ensure preparedness for fire incidents particularly in rural areas. The Executive Engineer Jal Shakti was directed to ensure the availability of water tankers equipped with fire-fighting attachments.
Furthermore, the DC instructed SDMs Tehsildars BDOs and Executive Officers to strictly prohibit and dismantle any illegal constructions along nallahs to ensure community safety. He directed SDRF officials to present their requirements for equipment and manpower so that all necessary facilities can be arranged within the stipulated time.
The meeting also reviewed the engagement of around 10000 members of the Village Defence Groups VDGs for disaster response and mitigation efforts. The session concluded with instructions to maintain constant inter-departmental communication and full preparedness to cope with any natural calamities.
