SRINAGAR: In the wake of the inclement weather forecast of heavy rainfall, the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Dr Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat, who is also the Chairman of District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) today chaired a meeting here at Meeting Hall of the DC Office Complex to review the preparation regarding flood control and mitigation in the District.
At the outset, the chairman of DDMA/DC stressed the utmost coordination among line Departments and formulating an efficient plan to ensure prompt response to any flood-like situation in the District. He directed the Officers to remain in a state of readiness by mobilising all men and machinery on the ground, particularly at vulnerable spots to avoid any loss of human lives or property damages.
The chairman DDMA/DC laid emphasis on round-the-clock monitoring of vulnerable flood-prone spots and ensuring timely dissemination of information among the people viz flood alerts, evacuation points/centres, transportation plans etc so that people are updated about the evacuation/rescue plans well in time. He directed the concerned Officers to focus on the identified vulnerable spots so that rapid action is ensured in case of need or to arrest embankment breach, if any.
The chairman of DDMA/DC further directed the concerned departments to formulate rescue plans, identify safe control room locations and also prepare a backup plan. He asked for strengthening communication with the ground-level staff and people during any emergency so that people do not panic and get actual information about rescue measures and places available for the public.
The Chairman DDMA/DC instructed the Officers of Health, FCS&C and other Departments to evolve proper SoPs to deal with the floods-like situation, if any in the District. Likewise, SMC, Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Irrigation, SRTC, State Motor Garages and other line Departments were directed to ensure all flood mitigation plans well in advance.
During the meeting, the chairman of DDMA asked officers to work out the stock of boats and other equipment available in the District and their location and contact person, preparedness for weak spots from both sides of River Jhelum, flood response duty charts, gauge level and declaration of Emergency. He also asked for the establishment of EOC on a priority basis with a complete contact directory of relevant departments like SDRF, NDRF, and Police Control Room, for better Coordination.
Additional Deputy Commissioner, Syed Ahmad Kataria, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Dr Khalid Hussain Malik, Chief Planning Officer, Fayaz Ahmad, Superintending Engineers of Hydraulic, Mechanical Irrigation, R&B, Chief Medical Officer, Deputy Directors of Tourism, FCS&CA, SRTC, State Motor Garages, Officers from Irrigation & Flood Control and other concerned departments were present in the meeting.
