Udupi District Authorities Ramp Up Precautions to Mitigate Natural Calamities
DC Kurma Rao Urges Swift Relief Measures in Response to Floods and Natural Calamities
Udupi, May 23, 2023: In an effort to prevent human casualties and minimize property damage caused by natural calamities, including floods resulting from heavy rains, Udupi district Deputy Commissioner Kurma Rao M has directed officials to implement necessary precautionary measures.
The instruction was given during the District Disaster Management Meeting held at the Deputy Commissioner’s office auditorium today.
Anticipating heavy rains and other natural calamities, such as strong winds, during the upcoming monsoon season, Commissioner Kurma Rao emphasized the importance of proactive preparations. He urged the identification of flood-prone areas based on historical data and stressed the need to take appropriate measures to handle these calamities with ease.
To ensure swift response to affected individuals, Commissioner Kurma Rao proposed holding natural disaster management committee meetings at the taluk and gram panchayat levels. Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of conducting mock demonstration exercises in each taluk, which would enable teams to effectively deal with natural calamities and gain experience in utilizing safety equipment.
He said that in the event of damage caused by natural calamities, compensation should be provided within 48 hours. To facilitate immediate response to those affected, a dedicated control room has been established at the district level. Individuals can contact the toll-free helpline number 1077 or dial 0820-2574802 for assistance. Additionally, the district emergency operations helpline number 1912 is available for issues related to MESCOM, while the general public can reach out to the helpline number 112 for protection.
Commissioner Kurma Rao emphasized the importance of maintaining unobstructed rainwater flow by cleaning drains and canals in urban and gram panchayat areas. Barricades should be erected around open tanks and water pits in villages, along with the installation of warning boards. Additionally, measures should be taken to ensure the smooth movement of vehicles on the national highway during heavy rainfall. Street lights should be installed, and immediate attention should be given to addressing public complaints, particularly those related to landslides.
To address potential health risks stemming from stagnant rainwater, the DC said that precautions should be taken to prevent mosquito breeding and the spread of communicable diseases. The health department officials have been instructed to raise public awareness about health education and the necessary preventive measures.
As schools, colleges, and anganwadis are set to resume operations from the following week, DC Rao emphasized the need for a thorough assessment of the condition of school and anganwadi buildings. He instructed the relevant officials to complete any ongoing repair works by the end of this week.
The safety of tourists visiting from outside the district was highlighted as a top priority. Rao called for the installation of warning signboards on beaches and the deployment of personnel for tourist protection. Meanwhile he stressed the removal of dangerous trees on the roadside. The forest department, in collaboration with other departments, was directed to identify and clear dangerous trees.
Efforts to improve agricultural practices were also addressed, with a target of covering an area of 38,000 hectares. He emphasized the need to ensure an adequate supply of seeds and instructed the agriculture department officials to take precautions and maintain fertilizer stocks for farmers.
In cases where electricity poles and transmission wires are damaged by rain and wind, immediate repair works should be carried out, and electricity connections should be restored promptly, the DC added.
Present at the meeting were Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Prasanna H., District Superintendent of Police Hake Akshay Machindra, probationary IAS officer Yatheesh, Additional Deputy Commissioner Madan Mohan, taluk tahsildars, chief officers of local bodies, and district-level officers from various departments.
