DC Doda reviews disaster preparedness of departments ahead of Monsoon season

DODA: Deputy Commissioner Doda Krishan Lal today chaired a comprehensive review meeting at the Meeting Hall of the DC Office Complex to assess the district’s readiness for handling emergencies arising due to heavy rainfall, flash floods, landslides, road blockades and other weather-related incidents ahead of monsoon season.

The meeting was convened in view of the upcoming high-level review by the Chief Secretary, Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, scheduled for May 25, 2026. The DC stressed the need for timely preparedness, inter-departmental coordination and quick response mechanisms to minimize risks and ensure public safety across vulnerable areas of the district.

The Deputy Commissioner reviewed in detail the preparedness and arrangements related to pre-flood emergency services, availability of rescue machinery, manpower and emergency response infrastructure in the district. The meeting discussed the availability and procurement requirements of essential rescue and disaster management equipment including rescue vehicles, inflatable rubber rescue boats for operations in the Chenab River, diving suits, water rescue helmets, search lights, dewatering pumps, raincoat suits, tracking suits, snow shoes, megaphones, rechargeable battery cells, first aid kits, casualty bags, fire extinguishers and fire extinguisher balls.

Availability of emergency stock, funds and engineering machinery at district and zonal levels was also assessed. “All departments must maintain sufficient emergency response equipment and manpower in sensitive and disaster-prone areas for prompt restoration and rescue operations,” the DC emphasized.

The Deputy Commissioner directed PWD (R&B), PMGSY, NHIDCL, BRO and other stakeholders to prepare and submit detailed contingency plans regarding deployment of machinery and manpower on roads vulnerable to landslides and blockades.

The PWD department informed that emergency response cells have already been established for ensuring immediate availability of machinery during emergencies. Directions were also issued to the Power Development Department to prepare a comprehensive disaster response plan and ensure advance arrangements of solar lights and portable generator sets for emergency situations.

Jal Shakti Department was directed to maintain adequate drinking water supply arrangements and submit resource and manpower deployment plans to tackle water scarcity and emergency situations. The DC further instructed all departments to notify and widely circulate emergency contact numbers. He further asked the department to strengthen coordination for timely restoration of essential services.

The meeting also focused on strengthening control rooms, formation of early response teams, conduct of mock drills and awareness programmes and preparedness for handling heavy rain and snowfall situations.

The DC directed ADC Bhaderwah, SDMs, Tehsildars and BDOs to conduct disaster management meetings in their respective jurisdictions and ensure preparedness of rescue teams including deployment of SDRF personnel, Aapda Mitras, volunteers and ex-servicemen for emergency response. The DC also stressed the importance of maintaining coordination with the Army, identifying helipads for emergency use and sharing details of flash flood, landslide and disaster-prone locations with all concerned stakeholders for timely response and mitigation measures.

The meeting was attended by Additional Commissioner Revenue ACD, Superintending Engineers and Executive Engineers of PWD Jal Shakti and PDD, officers from Fire and Emergency Services, Health, Municipal Committees, School Education, Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, SDRF and other concerned departments. ADC Bhaderwah, SDMs and other field officers also participated in the meeting virtually.