Madikeri: Madikeri MLA Mantar Gowda has issued a stern warning, stating that stringent action will be taken if there are any lapses in disaster management relief and rescue operations. While chairing the taluk-level Disaster Management Review meeting in Kushalnagar, he emphasized that officials will be held accountable for any shortcomings during disaster management efforts.
Preparations for Vulnerable Regions
Recalling the natural disaster situation that occurred during 2018-19, the MLA instructed officials to remain vigilant and make necessary preparations to prevent disasters in vulnerable regions across every gram panchayat. He specifically directed officials to focus on low-lying areas and issue notices to residents living in vulnerable zones and dilapidated houses, urging them to move to safer locations. "Work needs to be done to create awareness among the citizens about the weather forecast," he added.
Relocation and Reporting Measures
Mantar Gowda instructed the concerned authorities to take steps to relocate residents living in flood-prone areas and asked officials to submit daily reports during periods of incessant rainfall. He also advised officials to track weather forecasts when declaring holidays for schools and colleges, forbidding them from declaring holidays unnecessarily. The MLA requested a comprehensive report on the purchase of tarpaulins required for the monsoon season, while also instructing them to identify houses prone to collapse and take corrective measures.
Deadline for Relief Works
The MLA ordered the completion of all relief works, including maintenance of drains, pruning of dangerous trees, and road repairs, before June 16. He also instructed officials to keep relief centers ready in required vulnerable zones. "Steps must be taken to ensure that residents who have been provided rehabilitation houses by the government do not shift back to their old houses. Such old houses in vulnerable regions must be taken over by the government," he stated. All taluk-level officials were present during the meeting.
