Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami held a big meeting regarding monsoon, Char Dham Yatra and dengue. He directed the officers to be on 24×7 alert and clearly said that no negligence in the safety of people will be tolerated.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami held a big meeting with officials of all the districts at the Chief Minister’s residence on Friday. In this meeting, the current situation of monsoon, heavy rains, Char Dham Yatra, dengue prevention and disaster preparedness in entire Uttarakhand was reviewed.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister made it clear that people’s safety is the first priority of the government and no negligence, laxity or slowness in this matter will be tolerated at any level. He instructed the officials to go to the ground and test the arrangements instead of just holding review meetings. He asked all departments and district administrations to be on 24×7 alert during monsoon. Dhami stressed that there should be no delay in relief and rescue operations during any disaster or emergency. He directed the District Magistrates to immediately report every major incident to the Chief Minister’s Office and the State Emergency Operation Center and ensure timely relief and rehabilitation.
Char Dham Yatra was also reviewed
Reviewing the Char Dham Yatra, the Chief Minister took updates on the district-wise condition of roads, landslide-prone areas, movement of pilgrims and the arrangements made at the Char Dham. He said that this pilgrimage is not only related to the faith of millions of people but also to the economy of Uttarakhand. Therefore, safety of pilgrims, smooth traffic, health care, drinking water, cleanliness and complete arrangements should be the top priority.
Officials told in the meeting that so far this year, more than 44.65 lakh devotees have visited Char Dham. Dhami said the turnout in such large numbers shows their confidence in Uttarakhand and stressed that every pilgrim should return home with a safe and satisfying experience.
disaster preparedness
Deploying equipment and technology
The Chief Minister directed the departments to deploy JCB, Pokeland machines, technical teams and other equipment in advance at landslide prone areas so that roads can be opened immediately if they are closed. He also asked the officials to effectively use GPS and modern communication systems in sensitive areas.
coordination between departments
Dhami directed all departments including NDRF, SDRF, police, health, public works, electricity, drinking water and food and civil supplies departments to work in full coordination. He said that electricity, water and communication services disrupted due to heavy rains or landslides should be restored on priority and additional teams should be deployed wherever necessary. He also directed that in remote and sensitive areas, adequate stock of grains, medicines, fuel and other essential items should be ensured in advance, so that the local people do not face any shortage due to closure of roads.
protection of vulnerable groups
Emphasizing on the safety of vulnerable groups including pregnant women, senior citizens, disabled people and seriously ill patients, the Chief Minister directed district administrations to shift pregnant women in sensitive areas to safer places or medical facilities in advance, wherever necessary. He also said that helicopter services will be on standby in sensitive areas for emergency rescue and relief operations.
Preparation for dengue
Reviewing dengue preparedness, Dhami directed urban local bodies and gram panchayats to carry out regular fogging, anti-larva spray, cleanliness drives and clearing waterlogging. He also directed the health department to ensure that all health facilities have adequate availability of testing kits, medicines, blood, hospital beds and medical staff.
Other instructions for better response
The Chief Minister also ordered safety audit of bridges during monsoon, thorough cleaning of drains to prevent waterlogging and developing alternative communication systems in remote areas so that disaster response is not hampered. He also directed all District Magistrates to conduct regular field visits, ensure adherence to the “Golden Hour” principle during rescue operations and strengthen coordination with public representatives, NGOs and local organizations to improve disaster response at the ground level.
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