Karwar: Uttara Kannada Deputy Commissioner K Lakshmi Priya has instructed all government departments to remain fully prepared to prevent and respond to any natural calamities during the monsoon season. Chairing a meeting of the District Disaster Management Authority on Tuesday, she emphasized the need for advance precautionary measures across the district.
The Deputy Commissioner directed officials to submit a detailed report on measures taken to prevent flooding along National Highway stretches and areas near the naval base, ensuring smooth drainage of rainwater. She noted that flood-prone and landslide-prone locations across all taluks have already been identified and instructed authorities to implement necessary safety measures immediately.
Officials were also directed to remove encroachments and shops constructed in landslide-prone areas along highways, prohibit parking in vulnerable zones, and install warning signboards. Lakshmi Priya further ordered the closure of abandoned borewells and unused open wells within gram panchayat and urban local body limits to prevent accidents.
Expressing concern over frequent electricity-related complaints, she instructed HESCOM officials to ensure uninterrupted services during the monsoon, maintain round-the-clock operations, and depute staff to the District Disaster Management Control Room. She also called for the removal of dangerous trees and the inspection of electric poles, wires, and compound walls near anganwadis, schools, hostels, and primary health centres.
The Deputy Commissioner said disaster-prone locations have already been identified and directed officials to prepare a list of local volunteers and provide them with adequate training. She also instructed authorities to make arrangements for relief centres and appoint nodal officers for their management through coordination among PDOs, Tahsildars, and Village Accountants.
District Panchayat CEO Dr. Dileesh Shashi, Additional Deputy Commissioner Sajid Mulla, Sub-Divisional Officers, Tahsildars, Taluk Panchayat Executive Officers, Sea Bird officials, and other district-level officers attended the meeting.