Dehradun. Amid red and orange alerts issued by the Meteorological Department, Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan reached the State Emergency Operation Center to review the situation arising from heavy rains across the state. He directed officials that citizen safety is the highest priority. All departments must work with mutual coordination and stay on 24-hour alert mode to tackle any potential disaster.
The Chief Secretary took stock of the rainfall situation, river water levels, closed roads, landslide-affected areas, relief and rescue operations, as well as electricity, drinking water, and communication systems across the state. He instructed District Magistrates to conduct a detailed assessment of damage caused by rains and heavy rainfall and submit it to the State Disaster Management Authority at the earliest. He also directed them to ensure prompt compensation to the affected people as per rules.
He ordered the pre-positioning of adequate machinery and technical teams on sensitive and landslide-prone routes. He stated that in case of road blockages, traffic should be restored quickly using JCBs, Poklains, and other necessary machinery. Additionally, priority should be given to restoring power, drinking water, and communication services, while ensuring sufficient stockpiling of food grains, medicines, fuel, and other essential items in remote areas.
As per the Chief Minister’s instructions, the Chief Secretary ordered the completion of the campaign to make roads pothole-free by October 15 within the stipulated timeline. He directed the State Emergency Operation Center to maintain continuous coordination with all districts.
Char Dham Yatra Based on Weather and Road Conditions
The Chief Secretary stated that the Char Dham Yatra should be conducted based on actual weather and route conditions. In case of heavy rainfall or blocked routes, pilgrims should be halted at safe locations and provided with essential facilities. Pilgrims should be allowed to proceed only after conditions normalize.
He directed 24-hour monitoring of river water levels and continuous awareness efforts for people living in riverbank areas. In the event of water release from dams or barrages, people living in low-lying areas must be alerted well in advance.
Special Monitoring for Pregnant Women and Elderly
The Chief Secretary ordered special monitoring of pregnant women, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and individuals suffering from serious illnesses residing in sensitive areas. If required, pregnant women should be shifted to safe places or medical facilities, with helicopter services provided as needed.
Campaign to Intensify Against Dengue Prevention
The Chief Secretary instructed municipal bodies and Gram Panchayats to launch a widespread campaign for dengue prevention. Waterlogged areas should be identified for drainage, regular fogging, anti-larval spraying, and special cleanliness drives.
He also directed officials to ensure the availability of dengue testing kits, adequate medicines, blood, beds, and medical staff in district hospitals, Community Health Centers (CHCs), and Primary Health Centers (PHCs).
