Anticipating the onset of the monsoon in Kodagu district during the first or second week of June, Deputy Commissioner (DC) S.J. Somashekar has instructed district and taluk-level officials to undertake all necessary precautionary measures. He was speaking while presiding over the meeting of the District Disaster Management Authority held at the Deputy Commissioner’s office hall in Madikeri recently.
The Deputy Commissioner stated that the district has received less than 50 percent rainfall since January. However, considering the possibility of heavy rainfall during the monsoon season, officials have been instructed to make all necessary preparations in advance, as done in previous years.
He noted that flood-prone and landslide-sensitive areas have already been identified and directed officials to exercise extra caution in such vulnerable locations.
Somashekar further informed that nodal officers have already been appointed, and directed nodal officers, tahsildars, Taluk Panchayat Executive Officers, local police station inspectors and engineers to work in close coordination.
He instructed that task force meetings be held at the taluk level under the leadership of local MLAs. Awareness meetings should also be conducted at the taluk level to educate the public on precautionary measures to be taken in flood-affected and landslide-prone areas.
The D C directed officials to submit reports on the condition of schools, colleges and government buildings. While a district-level helpline centre is already functioning, he instructed authorities to establish helpline centres at the taluk level as well. He further suggested that helpline centres function 24×7 during the rainy season with staff working in three shifts.
Officials were also instructed to implement precautionary measures based on advisories already issued by the Geological Survey of India (GSI). Departments including Revenue, Public Works, Panchayat Raj, Municipal Administration, Urban Development, CESC and Forest Department were directed to work in coordination regarding damages occurring within their respective jurisdictions.
The DC said measures such as removal of dangerous roadside trees and replacement of electric poles should be undertaken on priority. He stressed the need to maintain detailed information regarding families residing in flood-prone and sensitive areas and instructed officials to prepare for their relocation to relief centres in the event of floods or landslides caused by heavy rainfall.
Somashekar also suggested seeking the cooperation of NCC, NSS, the Red Cross Society, ex-servicemen and volunteers engaged in disaster management activities. He directed that relief centres be equipped with drinking water, electricity, toilets and other basic amenities.
The D C further warned that heavy rainfall could occur within short durations due to wind disturbances and instructed officials to create awareness among local residents regarding such possibilities. He also stressed the importance of preventing infectious diseases during the rainy season and directed the Health Department to maintain adequate stock of essential medicines.
“Fake messages should not be circulated through social media. The district administration will issue official information from time to time,” he said.
Emphasising that protection of both people and livestock is of utmost importance, the DC instructed all departments to remain fully prepared. District Superintendent of Police Bindumani stated that the Police Department has already completed necessary preparations. She informed that four teams have been constituted by the department and requested officials from the Fire, Forest and Electricity Departments to coordinate closely with local police station officers.
She stressed the importance of safety measures during the rainy season and advised personnel to carry gumboots, life jackets, torches and other emergency equipment. She also directed officials to maintain contact details of local JCB, crane and jeep owners for emergency situations.
Zilla Panchayat CEO Anand Prakash Meena observed that Kodagu district has received very little rainfall so far this year. He stated that while drought conditions may persist on one hand, heavy rainfall may also occur in the coming days, and therefore both possibilities must be taken into consideration.
He further reiterated that taluk-level task force committee meetings should be held under the leadership of MLAs to seek advice and guidance.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Dr. Sahana S. Hadimani, Deputy Conservator of Forests Abhishek, Jagannath, District Health and Family Welfare Officer Dr. Satish Kumar, Tahsildars Praveen Kumar, Krishnamurthy, Kiran Gouraiah, Sanjana, Sridhar, CESC Executive Engineer Ramachandra, Public Works Department Executive Engineer K.T. Prabhu, GP Executive Engineer G.K. Nayak, Police Inspector I.P. Medappa, Taluk Executive Officers, Chief Officers of local bodies, and district and taluk-level officials participated in the meeting and shared information.
