Roads Must Be Pothole-Free Before Monsoon, Departments to Remain on 24×7 Alert Mode: Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan
Chief Secretary reviews monsoon preparedness across Uttarakhand
Emphasis on uninterrupted public services and disaster readiness during Char Dham Yatra
Dehradun: Uttarakhand Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan on Thursday chaired a high-level review meeting at the Secretariat to assess the state’s preparedness for the upcoming monsoon season. During the meeting, he directed all departments and district administrations to complete pre-monsoon preparations in a timely and effective manner, stressing that there should be no scope for negligence at any level.
The Chief Secretary said that the coming months would be highly sensitive and challenging for the state, especially as the ongoing Char Dham Yatra is witnessing a large influx of pilgrims. He instructed all line departments to work in coordination and remain on 24×7 alert mode to ensure that the public does not face any inconvenience during the monsoon.
Roads to be made pothole-free before monsoon
Directing the Public Works Department (PWD), the Chief Secretary instructed officials to ensure that all roads are made pothole-free and damaged stretches repaired before the onset of monsoon rains. He also directed departments to deploy machinery and resources in advance at vulnerable locations to restore connectivity quickly in case of landslides or road blockages.
He further instructed officials to keep JCB machines pre-positioned in sensitive areas and maintain adequate stock of Bailey bridges for emergency deployment.
Focus on uninterrupted electricity and water supply
The Power and Drinking Water departments were directed to complete maintenance and repair works of electric lines, transformers, and water supply pipelines well in advance so that electricity and water services are not disrupted for prolonged periods during heavy rains.
Instructions for drain cleaning and prevention of waterlogging
The Chief Secretary instructed the Urban Development Department, municipal bodies, and district magistrates to ensure regular cleaning of drains and sewer channels. He emphasized that waterlogging should not occur under any circumstances and directed officials to remove encroachments and obstructions affecting the natural flow of rivers and drains.
He also stressed the need for durable and quality work instead of temporary arrangements.
Special focus on riverbank protection and channelization
Considering the vulnerability of riverbank areas in the state, the Chief Secretary laid special emphasis on river channelization works. He directed authorities to remove accumulated RBM (river bed material such as sand, gravel, and stones) from river channels to ensure smooth natural flow and prevent erosion-related damage to habitations and infrastructure.
Adequate stock of essential commodities to be maintained
The Food and Civil Supplies Department was directed to maintain sufficient stock of LPG, ration, food grains, diesel, and petrol. The Chief Secretary instructed departments to prepare a detailed contingency plan for the distribution of relief and food materials during disasters, especially in remote areas.
Health department asked to remain on alert
The Health Department was instructed to prepare a comprehensive action plan to tackle possible waterborne and communicable diseases during the monsoon season. The Chief Secretary also directed officials to launch fogging campaigns immediately and keep healthcare services on alert mode.
He further instructed authorities to keep heli-ambulance services ready to provide emergency medical assistance in inaccessible areas.
Regular testing of hydromet sensors and satellite phones emphasized
The Chief Secretary directed officials to ensure regular testing and maintenance of hydromet systems, sensors, and satellite phones. He stressed that weather alerts and warnings must reach people quickly so that timely precautionary measures can be taken.
He also emphasized extensive use of the “Sachet App” and Cell Broadcast technology for rapid dissemination of alerts.
Strict action against fake disaster-related videos
Expressing concern over fake and misleading disaster-related videos being circulated on social media, the Chief Secretary directed officials to take strict action under relevant provisions of the Disaster Management Act and register FIRs immediately against those spreading misinformation.
He said such misleading content creates unnecessary panic and hampers disaster management operations.
525 hydromet sensors active in the state
During the meeting, Secretary Disaster Management and Rehabilitation Vinod Kumar Suman informed that nodal officers from various departments have already been deployed at the State Emergency Operation Centre and an integrated monsoon action plan has been prepared.
He stated that 525 hydromet sensors are currently active across the state for monitoring vulnerable areas. At present, Uttarakhand has three operational Doppler Weather Radars, while three additional Doppler radars are proposed to strengthen the weather forecasting system further.
He also informed that an RSRW (Radio Sonde Radio Wind) system is proposed to be established in Pithoragarh, which will help improve localized and accurate weather forecasting in mountainous regions and enable timely warnings to minimize loss of life and property.
Several senior officials attended the meeting, including Special Secretary Parag Mudhkar Dhakate, Secretary Pankaj Kumar Pandey, Secretary L. Phanai, Secretary Sachin Kurve, Garhwal Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey, Information Director Banshidhar Tiwari, and other senior officers.
