Administration gears up, takes preventive steps

With the north-east monsoon active in neighbouring delta districts, officials of the Public Works Department and various other government departments in the Tiruchi district administration have been asked to gear up to meet possible exigencies and put in place appropriate preventive measures.

Speaking at a consultative meeting to discuss monsoon preparedness in the district, Collector K. Rajamani on Friday asked the district officials to identify old government buildings, including anganwadis, schools and ration shops, and assess the structural stability of such buildings and submit a report to the district administration within a week. Very old buildings should be demolished after getting necessary approval from the department concerned, he said.

He instructed the Public Works Department to identify flood-prone areas and keep sand bags ready to meet exigencies. The Highways Department was asked to identify low-lying areas and prevent damages to roads due to flooding. Weak roadside trees, which could be uprooted during rain, should be removed, he said and added that Tangedco officials should identify damaged poles and repair them well in advance.

The Fire and Rescue Service should keep their gear in readiness for launching rescue operations. Shelters should be kept ready to accommodate people in case of floods. Heads of departments should not leave headquarters or go on leave during the monsoon period. Revenue, Police, Fire and Rescue and other departments should conduct coordinated mock drills to test their preparedness, he said.

Action would be initiated against officials of local bodies if there were damages due to failure to remove encroachments from drainages, he cautioned.

Superintendent of Police P. S. C. Kalyan and other officials attended the meeting.

Source:http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Tiruchirapalli/administration-gears-up-takes-preventive-steps/article19986243.ece