DEHRADUN: In response to the red alert issued by the Meteorological Department for heavy to very heavy rainfall, snowfall, lightning, and hailstorm in Uttarkashi district on May 7 and 8, and orange and yellow alerts for other districts on May 6–8, the Disaster Management Department has swung into action on the instructions of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami.
Taking note of the alert, CM Dhami held discussions with Secretary of the Disaster Management and Rehabilitation Department, Vinod Kumar Suman, and directed immediate coordination with district administrations. Following this, Vice Chairman of the State Advisory Committee, Vinay Kumar Ruhela, and Secretary Suman conducted a video conference meeting with officials across all districts on Monday.
Officials were instructed to ensure full preparedness and take proactive protective measures. CM Dhami emphasized that the IMD alerts should be taken seriously and a quick response mechanism should be in place. He specifically instructed that Chardham pilgrims be halted at safe locations in case of heavy rainfall and allowed to proceed only when the weather improves.
Secretary Suman highlighted that under the CM’s directive, community-level disaster preparedness has been initiated. Tehri district has pioneered this effort, forming five-member village groups tasked with alerting the District Emergency Operations Center (DEOC) during emergencies. Their contact details will be maintained in the DEOC to ensure smooth communication and prompt relief and rescue efforts.
Present during the meeting were Additional CEO (Administration) Anand Swaroop, DIG Rajkumar Negi, Joint CEO Mohd. Obaidullah Ansari, Rohit Kumar, Dr. Vedika Pant, Dr. Pooja Rana, Hemant Bisht, and Tandrila Sarkar, among others.
