DC Kathua discusses anti-flood measures

KATHUA, JUNE 13: Deputy Commissioner, Kathua Dr Rakesh Minhas today convened a meeting to discuss the anti-flood measures in the district.

Executive Engineer Flood Control, Inspector SDRF and representatives of stakeholder departments attended the meeting.

Preparedness cum rescue plan was discussed in the meeting wherein DC called for coordination between the departments and other agencies to safeguard the precious lives and property.

Under the plan, a centralized control room will be set up at the DC Office complex to monitor the situation and for timely coordinated action.

To ensure timely communication of the instructions and advisories, Police department was asked to keep the provision of wireless sets at six flood prone areas viz Panjtirathi-Billawar, Jakhol, Flood Control Gauge Reader Hut near National Highway Rajbagh Bridge, Mukhandpur, Korepunnu and Keerian Gandyal.

The DC laid emphasis on making a list of vulnerable flood prone areas, location of related infrastructure viz dozers, sandbags, boats, divers, swimmers, vehicles, dewatering pumps besides telephone numbers of in-charge of related departments and agencies. He also called for close coordination between the departments to ensure timely rescue and rehabilitation whenever required.

He directed for proper mapping of flood prone areas and make record of its Google coordinates so that location trace by rescue teams can be done easily during the exigency.

The DC also called upon the Flood Control Department to make a social media group for regular updation of water levels of key nallah and tributaries besides early dissemination of information of surplus discharge of Ravi River by UBDC authorities.

Municipalities were directed to ensure clearance of all drains well in advance in the town to avoid any water blockage during rains.