Collector asks officials to keep close watch on river courses

The Hindu 12.09.2009

Collector asks officials to keep close watch on river courses

Special Correspondent

TIRUCHI: Steps were being taken to provide training to all officials and elected representatives of local bodies on disaster management as part of the precautionary arrangements being taken ahead of the onset of the North East monsoon, Collector T. Soundiah has said.

Chairing a meeting to review the precautionary arrangements being taken ahead of the monsoon here on Thursday, Mr. Soundiah said the officials and elected representatives, including corporation, municipalities and town panchayat wards members, would be given one-day training on disaster management.

“Zonal, taluk and block level coordination meetings should be held on disaster management. Gram Sabha meetings should be convened to discuss flood prevention measures,” he told the officials.

He instructed the Revenue and Public Works Department officials to maintain a close watch on river courses and ensure that there were no vulnerable points.

Encroachments along all water courses, including the Cauvery and Coleroon Rivers, should be removed.

Sand bags ready

The PWD has stocked 1.25 lakh sand bags ready to meet any exigency.

Officials should also identify temporary shelters to accommodate people in case of emergencies.

Adequate stocks of essential commodities should be maintained in all ration shops.

The Fire and Rescue Service has also been requested to keep in readiness boats and other equipments for rescue operations.

Government hospitals, primary health centres and veterinary hospitals should have adequate stocks of medicines and vaccines, the Collector told the officials.

District officials were also instructed to monitor the rainfall recorded in the neighbouring districts of Karur and Pudukottai, as most of the surplus discharges from these district usually flowed into Tiruchi.

District Revenue Officer V. Dakshinamurthy, the Project Officer of the District Rural Development Agency, J. Dhanasekaran, the Joint Director of Health, M. Poongothai attended the meeting.