Deputy Commissioner Drass, Imteeaz Kacho, JKAS, on July 8 chaired a high-level review meeting to assess the district administration's preparedness for floods, flash floods and other natural disasters, directing all departments to remain on round-the-clock alert during the vulnerable season.

The meeting was attended by Sub-Divisional Magistrate Drass, Vishal Atri, JKAS; the Block Development Officer (BDO); Block Medical Officer (BMO); Station House Officer (SHO); Officer-in-Charge of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO); and Junior Engineers from the Public Works Department (PWD) and Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department.

Reviewing the preparedness of all concerned departments, the Deputy Commissioner instructed officials to maintain a high level of readiness to respond swiftly to any natural calamity. He emphasized timely coordination, efficient communication and prompt action to safeguard lives and property during emergencies. He also highlighted the crucial role voluntary organizations can play in disaster response.

The Police Department was directed to establish an effective coordination and communication mechanism with all departments. It was decided that only authenticated weather updates, advisories and emergency information would be disseminated to the public through designated officials to prevent misinformation.

All essential service departments were instructed to submit the contact details of their designated officers to the Police Department for emergency communication. The Health Department was asked to nominate a nodal officer for medical emergencies and ambulance services, while all departments were directed to keep government vehicles, manpower and essential resources ready for immediate deployment.

To strengthen grassroots coordination, the administration decided to prepare a comprehensive database of Lamberdars, including their contact details, to facilitate the timely dissemination of flood warnings and weather advisories.

The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) was instructed to provide details of available manpower and machinery from Kharbu to Gumri to enable quick restoration work during emergencies.

The Public Works Department (PWD) was directed to ensure the immediate clearance of blocked roads, restore connectivity without delay, prepare a list of flood-prone roads, and maintain a database of local contractors from Matayen to Kharbu along with available manpower and machinery for emergency deployment.

The Block Development Officer (BDO) was asked to conduct prompt assessments of affected areas following any disaster and coordinate with concerned departments for timely preparation of damage assessment reports.

The Deputy Commissioner also reviewed the status of flood-prone rivers and streams across the district and directed departments to maintain constant surveillance over vulnerable locations, undertake preventive measures and ensure a swift response to any flood-related incident. Regular weather forecasts and flood advisories will be shared with Lamberdars and other concerned agencies through official communication channels.

Concluding the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner appreciated the preparedness of all participating departments and directed officials to ensure strict implementation of the decisions taken. He reiterated the importance of close inter-departmental coordination, effective communication and round-the-clock preparedness to minimize the impact of natural disasters and ensure public safety.