Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 5 Aug: The Dehradun district administration has issued a high alert and directed all the related departments to remain fully prepared following the India Meteorological Department’s (IMD’s) warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall in parts of the district tonight and tomorrow.
According to the latest weather forecast issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Dehradun, an Orange Alert has been sounded for the district, indicating the likelihood of heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places. In view of the potential risk of weather-related disasters, District Magistrate Dr Ashish Chauhan has instructed all the departments concerned to maintain complete vigilance and keep disaster management mechanisms fully operational.
The DM stated that trekking activities in the hill areas would remain suspended during the Orange Alert period. Tourist movement to the high Himalayan regions will also not be permitted in order to minimise the risk of accidents and ensure public safety.
All the departmental officers and the designated officials associated with the disaster management system and departmental nodal officers have been directed to remain on high alert. It was made clear that, in the event of any disaster or accident, immediate field-level response must be ensured, while seamless coordination and prompt exchange of information between all departments concerned has also been emphasised.
The Public Works Department (PWD), National Highways authorities (NHAI), the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and other agencies concerned have been instructed to ensure that any motor road blocked due to landslides or other weather-related incidents is reopened without delay. Urban local bodies (ULBs) have also been directed to clear the drains and the culverts of obstructions to ensure smooth drainage and prevent waterlogging.
All Revenue Sub-Inspectors, Gram Vikas Adhikaris and Gram Panchayat Development Officers have been instructed to remain stationed in their respective areas and maintain continuous monitoring of the prevailing situation. All the police stations and the police outposts have also been placed on high alert with adequate disaster relief equipment and wireless communication systems. The officers and the employees have been directed to keep their mobile phones switched on at all times and ensure that raincoats, torches, helmets and other essential emergency equipment are readily available in their official vehicles.
The DM has further instructed that, in case people are stranded in any area due to adverse weather conditions, immediate arrangements must be made to provide them with food, drinking water and essential medical assistance. The schools have also been directed to exercise special caution to ensure the safety of students during the period of adverse weather.
The district administration has also appealed to the public to strictly follow weather advisories issued by the IMD, avoid unnecessary travel and immediately report any disaster or emergency to the District Disaster Control Room on telephone numbers 7534820006, 0135-2720000 or 0135-2620006, or on the toll-free emergency number 1077.
