Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 12 Nov: District Magistrate Dr Ashish Chauhan today directed all the departments concerned to complete winter preparedness measures on priority to ensure public safety during the forthcoming cold wave and snowfall season.
Chairing a review meeting at the Collectorate here today, he stressed upon a coordinated action for relief, rescue and essential services across the district.
The DM directed the municipal bodies and tehsil administrations to make adequate arrangements for bonfires at major public places, including bus stations, railway stations and hospitals. He also asked the officials to ensure timely distribution of blankets to poor, destitute and vulnerable people and maintain sufficient stocks at the tehsil level. The District Supply Officer (DSO) was instructed to ensure three months’ stock of foodgrains in remote areas before adverse weather conditions set in.
Chauhan directed the officials to ensure that all the night shelters are equipped with adequate bedding, blankets, drinking water, lighting, sanitation and other basic facilities. Nodal officers will be designated for regular inspections and monitoring of shelters during the winter season.
Emphasising on preparedness in remote and snow-bound areas, he instructed departments to maintain adequate availability of foodgrains, drinking water, fuel and other essential commodities. The Chief Medical Officer (CMO) was directed to identify pregnant women in remote snowfall-prone regions in advance and make arrangements for their safe accommodation near healthcare facilities if required.
Reviewing emergency healthcare services, the DM directed the health officials to ensure the availability of the doctors, life-saving medicines, medical equipment, heating arrangements and ambulance services. He stressed on the need for effective emergency medical response mechanisms, particularly in remote areas.
To keep the roads open during snowfall, Chauhan instructed the agencies concerned to keep the JCBs, snow cutters, snow blowers and adequate stocks of salt and lime ready for deployment. He also called for installation of warning signboards on vulnerable routes and advance deployment plans for officials and machine operators. Departments were asked to ensure uninterrupted electricity and drinking water supply in snow-affected areas.
The DM also stressed on tourist safety at the major destinations and directed the officials to provide timely information regarding weather conditions and road closures. He instructed the Tourism Department to identify trekking routes vulnerable to adverse weather and take necessary precautionary measures.
Warning that negligence would not be tolerated, Chauhan directed all the related departments to complete winter arrangements on time and ensure regular field inspections. Among those present at the meeting were ADM (Finance and Revenue) KK Mishra, SDM Sadar Apoorva Singh, Additional City Magistrate Ravindra Juwantha and officials from various related departments, while several officers joined virtually.
