UT Khader Stresses Readiness and Response to Natural Calamities

Mangaluru, May 29, 2023: State Assembly Speaker UT Khader stressed the importance of proactive response and preparedness in tackling natural calamities during a meeting on pre-monsoon readiness held at the circuit house in Kadri on Monday.

Joined by a team of officials, Khader urged the need for vigilance to alleviate hardships faced by the public and protect livestock.

Khader emphasized the significance of timely action based on past experiences, stating, “While we cannot prevent sudden natural calamities, we can minimize their impact by ensuring that people’s representatives and officials are always prepared to respond promptly.”

He underlined the necessity of establishing a well-prepared team comprising officers and staff at the grassroots level in both rural and urban local bodies across the district. The focus should be on preventing potential danger arising from natural calamities.

As heavy rainfall in Chikkamagaluru, Kodagu, and Sakleshpur areas could lead to increased water flow into the district, Khader expressed concern about potential flooding in regions where rivers merge with the sea. He stressed the need to inform and educate locals daily to mitigate any possible damages.

In cases of landslides, house collapses, or property damage reported in the district, the Speaker directed revenue inspectors and village accountants to visit the affected areas. Their presence and assurance of government support should provide solace to the affected public, with immediate relief funds of Rs 10,000 to be disbursed promptly.

Deputy Commissioner Ravikumar M. R. outlined the district’s preparedness measures, indicating that 87 care centers had already been identified based on past natural calamities. These centers have been equipped to provide essential amenities, including meals and evacuation assistance.

While State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams are on standby, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team is yet to arrive. The monsoon is expected to hit the district on June 4, and all necessary preparations will be completed by June 1. To ensure swift compensation in case of calamity or flood damage, tehsildars across the district have been allocated Rs 3.5 crore, which has been disbursed. Additional funds have been requested through a letter to the government.

In instances of house damage due to calamities, the Speaker stressed the need for immediate visits by village accountants and revenue inspectors to offer psychological support and immediate relief. Engineers from the relevant departments assessing the damages should submit estimates and reports.

Khader called for fire brigade and health department ambulances to be on standby. The Public Works Department, Rural Development, and Panchayat Raj Department were urged to promptly address potholes on roads, as they are prone to worsening during the rainy season.

The Speaker highlighted the importance of clearing roads near National Highways and under the jurisdiction of the Public Works Department to facilitate proper water drainage, ensuring water does not stagnate. Action should be taken against any obstructions to the flow of rainwater.

To prevent accidents caused by trees and branches in proximity to electricity wires, Mescom and the Forest Department were instructed to identify and remove hazardous trees and branches. In cases of electrocution resulting in loss of life, the responsible junior engineer from Mescom and forest range officers will be held accountable.

Regarding sea erosion, the Speaker urged officials from the port department to act proactively to prevent damage to homes and infrastructure.

The District Urban Development Cell and all local bodies were instructed to establish a helpline that operates around the clock.