Madikeri: Kodagu Deputy Commissioner S. J. Somashekar chaired a meeting of the District Disaster Management Authority to review preparations for the upcoming monsoon season. During the meeting, he directed officials to convene taluk-level task force meetings in order to implement precautionary measures in areas prone to floods and landslides.
Heavy Rainfall Expected from Second Week of June
Somashekar stated that the district is expected to experience heavy rainfall from the second week of June. He noted that the district has recorded less than 50 percent of its normal rainfall since January this year. However, he cautioned that there is a possibility of increased rainfall during the monsoon season, making it essential to take necessary precautionary measures.
The Deputy Commissioner added that sensitive areas, including flood-affected and landslide-prone regions, have already been identified. Officials have been instructed to take special precautions in these zones. Nodal officers have been assigned, and officials have been directed to work in coordination with each other.
Taluk-Level Task Force Meetings
A task force meeting will be held at the taluk level under the leadership of local MLAs, Somashekar said. He asked officials to collect data on sensitive areas, prepare precautionary plans, and present them prior to the meetings. He also requested officials to provide the current status of schools, colleges, and government buildings.
Somashekar instructed officials to set up helpline centers in all taluks and suggested that staff work in three shifts to ensure round-the-clock operation during the monsoon period. He emphasized that all necessary precautionary measures should be taken as per the guidelines issued by the Geological Survey of India (GSI).
Preparatory Works and Volunteer Involvement
The Deputy Commissioner further directed officials to undertake preparatory works, including pruning roadside trees and replacing faulty or dangerous electric poles, ahead of the monsoon season. He suggested involving volunteers from the NCC, NSS, Red Cross, ex-servicemen, and others engaged in disaster management activities.
Police and Other Departments Ready
Kodagu Superintendent of Police Bindu Mani informed the meeting that the police department has already made necessary preparations for the monsoon. She said that four teams have been formed and urged officials from all departments, including fire, forest, and electricity, to coordinate with local police stations.
Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Anand Prakash Meena and other district administration officials were present at the meeting.
