Minister Reviews Natural Disaster Preparedness
Minister for Health and Family Welfare and District In-charge Minister U.T. Khader has directed officials to ensure that Kodagu district is fully prepared to face both heavy rainfall and possible drought conditions.
Chairing a review meeting on natural disaster management at the Zilla Panchayat Hall in Madikeri recently, the Minister said that although Kodagu has received less rainfall this year compared to the previous season, normal rainfall is expected during July and August. Nevertheless, the district administration should remain fully prepared to respond to any natural disaster.
He also cautioned that if rainfall remains below normal due to the influence of the El Niño weather phenomenon, the administration should simultaneously be prepared to tackle drought-like conditions.
“Natural disasters can strike anyone without warning. Responding promptly and effectively to people in distress should be the foremost priority of every official,” the Minister said, directing officers to discharge their responsibilities with commitment and dedication.
Khader emphasised that the next three months would be crucial and instructed officials to remain accessible to the public and respond swiftly to emergencies.
Reviewing the availability of disaster relief funds, the Minister said that Rs. 3.05 crore is currently available in the Deputy Commissioner’s PD account. In addition, a total of Rs. 141.39 lakh is available in the PD accounts of the Tahsildars of the district’s five taluks. Therefore, there is no shortage of funds for disaster management activities, he noted.
The Minister instructed officials to take all necessary steps to prevent drinking water shortages across the district. He directed that damaged water pipelines be repaired immediately and stressed that uninterrupted drinking water supply is the responsibility of the concerned departments.
During the meeting, Madikeri MLA Dr. Mantar Gowda informed the Minister that a damaged pipeline in a village in Somwarpet taluk had disrupted drinking water supply and requested immediate restoration.
Responding to the issue, Khader reiterated that preventing drinking water shortages should receive top priority and urged officials to create a positive public perception of the Government through efficient service delivery.
Virajpet MLA A.S. Ponnanna urged officials to repair pothole-ridden roads under the jurisdiction of the Public Works Department and the Panchayat Raj Engineering Department to ensure the safety and convenience of the public.
The Minister stressed the need for close coordination between the Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation (CESC) and the Drinking Water Department. He also instructed the Chief Executive Officer of the Zilla Panchayat to personally monitor drinking water supply projects and conduct regular progress reviews.
Seeking details regarding groundwater development, Khader directed officials to furnish immediate information on the number of pending borewells and the number awaiting electricity connections.
Questioning the allocation of funds to the Special Task Force, the Minister cautioned officials to utilise public money prudently and perform their duties with wisdom and accountability.
He also directed the Animal Husbandry Department to ensure that there is no shortage of fodder for livestock during any natural disaster.
The Minister instructed officials to remove trees and branches that pose a threat along highways during the monsoon season and directed the Forest Department and CESC to take preventive measures to ensure that falling trees or branches do not disrupt electricity supply.
He emphasised the importance of coordination among the Rural Development Department, Forest Department and CESC in carrying out preventive works. Similarly, engineers of the Drinking Water Department and CESC were instructed to function as a coordinated team.
Khader directed officials to undertake wet mix filling of potholes on roads under the Public Works Department and Panchayat Raj Engineering Department so that road damage does not lead to accidents or other emergencies during the monsoon.
The Minister also instructed officials to ensure adequate safety measures in schools and Anganwadi centres during the rainy season. He stressed the importance of maintaining cleanliness in student hostels and directed that students be provided with safe drinking water and quality food.                              Reviewing healthcare preparedness, Khader directed that all hospitals in the district should have sufficient laboratory technicians. He instructed health officials to intensify preventive measures against vector-borne diseases, including dengue and malaria, and ensure quality healthcare services for the public.
He appreciated the role played by non-governmental organisations during emergencies and suggested that the district administration issue letters of appreciation to organisations rendering humanitarian service during natural disasters.
The Minister further directed officials to visit affected areas immediately whenever a natural disaster occurs, ensure prompt disbursement of compensation in accordance with the rules, and discharge their responsibilities with compassion. He emphasised that officials should instil confidence and provide emotional support to affected families. He also announced that division-wise review meetings would be conducted in the coming days.
Khader informed the meeting that an integrated disaster response helpline involving the district administration, Police Department and CESC has been established to facilitate prompt response during emergencies.
He said members of the public can report emergencies through the District Administration’s WhatsApp number 8550001077, the District Disaster Management Centre 08272-221077, Police Helpline 112, and the CESC Helpline 191.
Municipal Council President P. Kalavathi requested the Minister to address the frequent power interruptions being experienced within Madikeri city.
She also urged the Forest Department to cooperate in clearing dangerous trees and overhanging branches within the municipal limits.
Speaking on the occasion, Virajpet MLA A.S. Ponnanna stressed that funds released to the Panchayat Raj Engineering Department should be utilised effectively and development works executed without delay.
Madikeri MLA Dr. Mantar Gowda informed the meeting that approval has been obtained for laying underground electricity cables in Madikeri city and that the work will commence after the monsoon.
Deputy Commissioner S.J. Somashekhar stated that although rainfall has been lower this year compared to previous years, the district administration is fully prepared to respond to any natural disaster.
Superintendent of Police R.N. Bindumani informed the meeting that four district disaster response teams, along with one National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team and Home Guards personnel, have been kept ready for emergency operations.
Joint Director of Agriculture Chandrashekhar stated that paddy and musukinajola (fodder sorghum) are being cultivated during the monsoon season in Kodagu district and that sufficient stocks of fertilisers are available.
District Guarantee Implementation Committee President Teethira Dharmaja Uthappa pointed out that although rainfall has been relatively low this year, incidents of falling trees and branches continue to occur and urged officials to take timely preventive measures.
Deputy Conservator of Forests Abhishek informed the meeting that necessary permissions are being granted wherever tree branches require removal for public safety.
Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Anand Prakash Meena stated that priority has been given to improving drinking water supply and the development of rural roads across the district.
Officials from various departments presented reports on the preparedness measures undertaken in their respective sectors.
ADC Dr. Sahana Hadimani, A CÂ Nitin Chakki, engineers, Tahsildars and officials from various departments attended the meeting.
