ADC Kupwara reviews Pre-Monsoon preparedness in district

KUPWARA: On the directions of Deputy Commissioner Kupwara, Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC), Kupwara, Gulzar Ahmad Khan today chaired a meeting of concerned officers to review the district's preparedness ahead of the ensuing monsoon season and to ensure timely measures for mitigating any potential risks arising from heavy rainfall, flash floods, landslides, and waterlogging.

The meeting was attended by officers from various line departments, including Disaster Management, Public Works (R&B), Jal Shakti, Health, Rural Development, Municipal Committee, Power Development Department, Irrigation & Flood Control, Fire & Emergency Services, and other concerned agencies. During the meeting, the ADC reviewed the preparedness plans of all departments and assessed the status of preventive and mitigation measures being undertaken across the district.

 Detailed discussions were held regarding the identification of vulnerable locations, flood-prone areas, emergency response mechanisms, availability of manpower and machinery, and inter-departmental coordination during any emergency situation.

The ADC directed the concerned departments to ensure the cleaning and desilting of drains, nallahs, and water channels to facilitate the smooth flow of water during the monsoon season. He stressed the importance of maintaining critical infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and public utilities, and directed the concerned agencies to keep men and machinery ready for immediate deployment whenever required.

Reviewing the preparedness of emergency response agencies, the ADC instructed the departments to establish effective communication channels and maintain adequate stocks of essential supplies, including medicines, drinking water, rescue equipment, and other emergency materials. He also emphasized the need for round-the-clock monitoring of vulnerable areas and timely dissemination of weather advisories to the public.

The Health Department was directed to ensure the availability of medical teams, medicines, and emergency healthcare facilities, while the Power Development Department was asked to remain prepared for the prompt restoration of electricity in the event of disruptions caused by inclement weather.

The ADC impressed for safety audit of roads, bridges, embankments and school/hospital buildings. Besides, line departments were directed to update the available machinery and equipment for updation on IDRN portal. Volunteers and machinery available in private sector need also to be revisited to have real-time data available with DDM authority for utilisation during emerging situations.

The ADC underscored the importance of coordinated efforts among all stakeholder departments and directed officers to remain vigilant throughout the monsoon season. He stressed that public safety and the protection of life and property must remain the foremost priority of the administration.