Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 8 Sep: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami today directed the officials to pay special attention to disaster management, and to maintain law & order. Dhami today held a meeting with senior officials of the government, administration and the police. The meeting was focussed on dealing with the disasters and towards maintaining law & order in the state, ongoing reconstruction works, and on the arrangements related to the Char Dham Yatra. All the district magistrates (DMs) from across the state joined the meeting virtually. During the meeting, the CM also asserted that no construction be allowed on the riverbanks, streams and near nullahs and also warned the officials against any kind of negligence in ensuring this.
Dhami stressed on the need to expedite reconstruction work and to ensure smooth conduct of the Char Dham pilgrimage after the monsoon season. In addition, he also issued detailed instructions for the preparations for the forthcoming ‘Sewa Pakhwada’ and the cleanliness drive, besides improving hospital facilities and public services. He said that the government’s foremost priority is to provide quick relief, security, and facilities to the people.
The CM also asked the administrative machinery to remain in active mode for repair and reconstruction works as soon as the rains abate. He emphasised that provision of adequate relief materials and dry rations must be ensured during the rainy season, while proper arrangements for accommodation, food, and essential facilities for the disaster victims must be made. He said that the officers should make a swift assessment of damage to crops, water pipelines, and government properties and submit the same to the government. He reiterated that the ban on construction near rivers and streams should be strictly enforced, and accountability fixed, with strict action against negligent officials.
Dhami also instructed all the DMs to provide quick financial assistance to disaster victims in accordance with norms. They were also asked to regularly inspect hospitals and review arrangements to prevent dengue, malaria, and other waterborne diseases, while convening meetings with the health department at the district level.
Dhami directed that strict measures be taken against those disrupting law and order. Action must be pursued against unauthorised issue of Aadhaar cards, voter identity cards, and utility connections. He also called for constant monitoring of outsiders and suspicious activities, with increased vigilance in border areas to identify and act against dubious individuals. Effective steps should also be undertaken for the protection of cattle.
He instructed officials to accelerate reconstruction and infrastructure development work immediately after the monsoon and to give priority to employing local labourers in government projects. Street lighting systems in both rural and urban areas must be ensured. He further directed that the Char Dham pilgrimage must be operated smoothly and safely after the monsoon season, and the pilgrims be informed in time about adverse weather conditions.
Dhami asked the DMs to submit reports on his (CM’s) announcements and ongoing projects in their respective districts to the Chief Minister’s Office within fifteen days. He called for the regular organisation of ‘chaupal’ (community gathering) programmes at the village level, district-level public hearings, ‘Tehsil Divas’ (sub-district day), BDC meetings, and multi-purpose camps.
The CM said detailed preparations should be made for the ‘Sewa Pakhwada’ programme to be held from 17 September, the Prime Minister’s birthday, until the Gandhi Jayanti (2 October). He directed that work be carried out on the theme of service, cleanliness, and public facilities. Alongside regular cleanliness drives in the districts, he instructed that DMs personally participate in one weekly cleanliness programme. He also said that damaged roads should be restored swiftly and a campaign launched to make roads free of potholes.
Dhami also emphasised that action on the 1905 CM helpline and the 1064 anti-corruption campaign must continue. To strengthen disaster response, disaster volunteers, ‘Sankat Mochan Dal’ (crisis relief teams), and mock drills should be conducted at the district level.
The CM further stated that certificates issued under the Right to Service Act must be provided in the language, Hindi or English, as requested by the applicant. He further directed strict action against those engaged in the manufacture and sale of counterfeit medicines.
Among those who were present in the meeting were Principal Secretaries RK Sudhanshu and R Meenakshi Sundaram, Secretary Shailesh Bagoli, DGP Deepam Seth, Additional Director General of Police (ADG) AP Anshuman, Garhwal Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey, Special Secretary Parag Madhukar Dhakate, Additional Secretary Banshidhar Tiwari, along with Kumaon Commissioner Deepak Rawat and all the DMs who participated virtually.
