Advanced Technology to Be Adopted for Monitoring Glacial Lakes: Madan Kaushik
Instructions issued to strengthen real-time monitoring, early warning systems and rapid response mechanisms in vulnerable areas
All departments directed to remain on 24×7 alert mode in view of prevailing weather conditions
Dehradun: In view of the potential risks posed by glacial lakes in Uttarakhand, Disaster Management and Rehabilitation Minister Madan Kaushik has directed officials to adopt advanced technologies available globally for continuous monitoring of glacial lakes and risk reduction.
Madan Kaushik visited the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) on Sunday and reviewed the status of glacial lakes located across Uttarakhand, along with potential risks and the state’s preparedness to deal with weather-related emergencies.
The minister said Uttarakhand is geographically vulnerable and that scientific monitoring of changes in glaciers and glacial lakes is essential, particularly in view of the growing impact of climate change. He directed officials to establish continuous and real-time monitoring mechanisms for glacial lakes and closely track changes in their water levels, size, water accumulation and other indicators.
He asked officials to examine the feasibility of using satellite imagery, remote sensing, drones, sensor-based monitoring systems and other advanced technologies, and adopt them wherever required.
Strengthening Early Warning Systems
The minister directed concerned departments, expert institutions and technical agencies to establish better coordination for monitoring glacial lakes. Wherever necessary, early warning systems should be installed so that any abnormal change can be detected in advance and people living in potentially affected areas can be alerted and evacuated in time.
He emphasized that technology-driven monitoring should be integrated with disaster response mechanisms to ensure timely action in case of any emerging threat.
Detailed Review of Rainfall and Disaster Preparedness
Madan Kaushik also reviewed the situation arising from continuous rainfall across the state. He directed all departments to remain on 24×7 alert mode and work in close coordination.
He said the safety of the people remains the state government’s top priority and that every possible step must be taken to ensure an effective response to any emergency.
The minister reviewed rainfall conditions, river water levels, blocked roads, landslide-affected areas, relief and rescue operations, electricity and drinking water supply, communication networks and other essential services across the state.
Officials were instructed to continuously monitor weather forecasts and ground conditions and ensure immediate action in case of any emergency.
Roads to Be Cleared on Priority
The minister directed the State Emergency Operation Centre to maintain continuous coordination with all districts. Roads blocked due to landslides and heavy rainfall should be reopened on priority, he said.
Adequate machinery and technical teams should be pre-positioned at landslide-prone and vulnerable locations. Sufficient numbers of JCBs, Pokland machines and other essential equipment should be kept ready so that traffic can be restored immediately whenever roads are blocked.
He also directed officials to ensure effective drainage in waterlogged areas and maintain adequate availability of pumps and other necessary equipment.
Priority to Restoration of Power, Water and Communication Services
Madan Kaushik instructed officials to give top priority to restoring electricity, drinking water and communication services affected by heavy rainfall or disasters.
Additional teams should be deployed immediately wherever required, while alternative arrangements should be activated to ensure that people continue to receive essential services.
24-Hour Monitoring of River Water Levels
The minister directed officials to maintain round-the-clock monitoring of river water levels across the state.
People living in riverbank areas should be regularly alerted about changing conditions and shifted to safer locations well in advance if there is a potential threat.
He further instructed authorities to provide advance information to downstream populations whenever water is released from dams or barrages. Bordering states should also be alerted in advance whenever necessary to minimize potential risks.
Travel to Be Regulated According to Weather and Road Conditions
Madan Kaushik directed authorities to operate pilgrim and tourist travel only after assessing actual weather and road conditions.
In case of extremely heavy rainfall, landslides or road blockages, travellers should be stopped at safe locations and provided with necessary facilities. They should be allowed to proceed only after conditions become normal and the route is considered safe.
Alternative Communication Systems to Remain Ready
The minister emphasized the need to keep alternative communication systems ready at all times, particularly in remote and inaccessible areas.
If mobile networks or other regular communication services are disrupted due to heavy rainfall or landslides, alternative communication channels should be activated immediately so that relief and rescue operations are not hampered.
Special Monitoring of Vulnerable Persons
Madan Kaushik directed officials to pay special attention to pregnant women, senior citizens, persons with disabilities and people suffering from serious illnesses in vulnerable areas.
Pregnant women and other vulnerable individuals should be shifted to safer locations or areas with adequate medical facilities whenever required. Helicopter services should also be made available wherever necessary.
He stressed that no loss of life should occur due to the absence of timely medical assistance under any circumstances.
Adequate Stock of Essential Supplies in Remote Areas
The minister directed authorities to ensure advance stocking of food grains, medicines, fuel and other essential commodities in remote and vulnerable areas.
This, he said, would help ensure that residents do not face shortages in the event of road closures.
He also directed the NDRF, SDRF, police, health, public works, electricity, drinking water, food and civil supplies departments and other concerned agencies to work in complete coordination.
War-Footing Campaign to Prevent Dengue
Madan Kaushik also reviewed dengue prevention measures in the state and directed all municipal corporations, municipalities, Nagar Panchayats and Gram Panchayats to undertake intensive prevention campaigns.
Officials were instructed to immediately identify waterlogging-prone locations and ensure proper drainage, along with regular fogging, anti-larval spraying and special sanitation drives.
He also directed health authorities to ensure adequate availability of dengue testing kits, medicines, blood, hospital beds and medical personnel at district hospitals, community health centres and primary health centres.
Officials Present at the Meeting
Those present at the meeting included State Disaster Management Advisory Committee Vice-Chairman Vinay Ruhela, Vice-Chairman Lt. Col. (Retd.) Raghuveer Singh Bhandari, Secretary Disaster Management and Rehabilitation Vinod Kumar Suman, Additional Chief Executive Officer (Implementation) DIG Raj Kumar Negi, JCEO Dinesh Kumar Punetha, and USDMA experts Dr. Pooja Rana, Rohit Kumar, Pratibha Purohit and Mohit Mathur, among others.
