Patna admn ready to tackle floods, drought and water-logging, says DM
Patna: DM Thiyagarajan SM on Monday said the administration is "fully prepared" to handle any flood, drought or urban water-logging in the coming monsoon and has placed all agencies on "mission mode".
Speaking at a review meeting at the Collectorate, Thiyagarajan said, "Ensuring safety of lives and timely relief during floods is the top priority and all arrangements are being made in accordance with the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) issued by the disaster management department." Zonal officials, including Circle Officers and SHOs, along with Sub-Divisional Officers and SDPOs, will respond immediately in the event of a flood, he added.
The DM stressed the need for inter-departmental coordination and round-the-clock readiness. "Senior officers will monitor flood preparations across all circles, verifying the availability of boats, divers, medicines, poly sheets, and other resources. Panchayat-wise nodal officers will be appointed to ensure on-ground responsiveness. Any carelessness will invite action under the Disaster Management Act," the DM warned the officials.
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Joint teams of SDOs and water resources engineers will inspect all embankments within a week, while motor vehicle inspectors will check the seaworthiness of rescue boats, according to the DM's instructions. The agriculture department has been asked to activate a contingency crop plan in case drought occurs.
"Areas along the Ganga from Maner to Mokama, and regions along the Punpun and Dardha rivers in Masaurhi and Patna City, are flood-prone," the DM said.
Citing the 2019 city-wide flooding, he ordered full desiltation of the nine main drains (Serpentine Nullah, Bypass nullah (NCC and KBC region), Bakarganj Nullah, Rajiv Nagar Nullah, Anandpuri Nullah, Mandiri Nullah, Yogipur Nullah, and Saidpur Nullah), encroachment-free channels and round-the-clock readiness of drainage pumping stations and sump houses with power and diesel back-up.
The district has 26 rain gauges operational, with automated systems installed at all panchayats.
Eleven flood relief cells have been activated, and a 24x7 district control room is operational at 0612-2210118. Task forces, and zonal officers have been deputed at panchayat and block levels.
Medical preparedness includes the formation of mobile medical teams, availability of essential drugs, and setup of temporary shelters with water, toilets, mosquito nets, and sanitary kits along with other necessary resources.
"All embankments are safe, resources have been stocked and communication networks strengthened," Dr Thiyagarajan said, directing officials to finish all embankment repairs before June 15.
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