Amidst the alert of heavy rain in Uttarakhand, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami gave strict instructions to all the departments to be on 24×7 alert, regarding Chardham Yatra and relief works.
In view of the continuous rains in Uttarakhand and the warning of heavy rain issued by the Meteorological Department for the coming days, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami reviewed the preparedness for disaster management in the state. He gave clear instructions to the officers that the safety of the people should be the top priority and all departments should work with full alertness and mutual coordination to deal with any disaster or emergency.
Following the instructions of the Chief Minister, Secretary Disaster Management and Rehabilitation Vinod Kumar Suman conducted a detailed review of the rainfall situation in the state, forecast of the Meteorological Department, condition of roads, water level of rivers and relief and rescue operations from the State Emergency Operation Center. He directed all concerned departments to remain in alert mode 24 hours and take immediate action in case of any emergency.
Weather Alert Uttarakhand: Red and orange alert issued in many districts
Secretary Disaster Management said that for July 10, the Meteorological Department has issued a red alert in Nainital, Udham Singh Nagar and Champawat districts. Orange alert has been declared for Dehradun, Pauri Garhwal and Bageshwar districts. In view of this, all District Magistrates, Police, SDRF, Public Works Department, Health, Drinking Water, Electricity and other related departments have been instructed to remain fully alert so that in case of any disaster, relief and rescue operations can be started immediately.
Char Dham Yatra Rain Alert: Instructions to stop passengers at safe places in bad weather
The Chief Minister has also issued special instructions regarding Chardham Yatra. He said that in areas where travel may be risky due to heavy rains or bad weather, devotees should be stopped at safe places. Food, drinking water, medicines, milk for children, toilets, accommodation and other necessary facilities should be made available to the passengers at the holding points. Passengers should be sent ahead only after the weather becomes normal and the route is declared completely safe.
Landslide Alert: Special monitoring of rivers, drains and landslide affected areas.
Secretary Disaster Management instructed the officials to ensure the safety of people living near rivers, rain drains, sinkholes and landslide prone areas. If there is a possibility of danger at any place, the families living there should be immediately evacuated to safe places. Special care should be taken for the safety of laborers and employees in areas where construction work is going on. If necessary, construction work should be stopped temporarily and workers should be sent to safe places.
Road Update Uttarakhand: Instructions to open closed roads on priority
During the review meeting, the Secretary also took information about roads, drinking water and electricity supply affected by rain. He said that the roads closed due to rain or landslides should be opened as soon as possible on priority basis so that people do not have to face problems. Instructions have also been given to already deploy JCB, Poklane machines, other necessary equipment and adequate manpower at sensitive places, so that the work of opening the road can be done quickly.
Rural Road Update: Emphasis on opening rural roads on war footing
Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman said that rural roads are most affected during rains. Therefore, the closed roads in rural areas should be opened soon on priority basis so that health services, relief materials and other essential facilities can reach the remote villages without any hindrance.
Public Advisory: Appeal to the people of the state to remain alert
Secretary Disaster Management has appealed to the people to seriously follow the warnings of the Meteorological Department. He said avoid unnecessary travel during bad weather, especially in hilly and landslide prone areas. He advised people to stay away from rivers, streams, ditches and waterlogged areas. In case of any emergency, immediately contact the local administration or emergency services and rely only on official information issued at the government and administrative level.
Additional Chief Executive Officer (Administration) Prakash Chandra, Additional Chief Executive Officer (Implementation) DIG Rajkumar Negi and Joint Chief Executive Officer Dinesh Kumar Punetha and other officers were present in the meeting.