Image: Northeast Now

The deputy commissioner of Arunachal Pradesh’s East Kameng Pravimal Abhishek Polumatla on Thursday convened an emergency meeting of the district disaster management authority (DDMA) in Itanagar to take stock of the preparedness in regards to tackling the unforeseen natural eventualities during monsoon season.

He asked his officers to issue fresh advisory restricting fishing and collection of firewood and bathing in rivers, give wide publicity to the advisory, identify relief and shelter homes for people who may need to be evacuated, and collect contact details of all important and colony representatives for seamless communication in case of emergency.

Polumatla asked the police to carry out vulnerability mapping by identifying houses in low-lying areas along the river and precarious hills and to assess the situation and prepare a robust evacuation plan.

He also sought a list of inventory, assured stock of medicines and rations and preparation of separate disaster plans by the ADCs of Seppa, Bameng and Chayangtajo.

Enquiring about the buffer stock of food grains, medicines and other essential items, among others, the deputy commissioner said there is no harm in remaining prepared and urged all the members present to remain alert always especially during this rainy season.

Cautioning against dereliction of duties, Polumatla instructed the members of DDMA and HoDs to always keep their mobile phones switched on and directed all officers except on authorised leave to stay at their respective posting places.

Acknowledging that road communication is crucial, he directed the construction agencies and departments concerned to keep all roads open by engaging necessary machinery and deploying adequate manpower.

ADC (HQ) Dahey Sangno, EAC (HQ) Ashok Tajo and DDMO K Sono were also present in the meeting.

Later in the day, the deputy commissioner convened a meeting with the urban development and housing department and colony representatives to chalk out a plan for proper implementation of solid waste management in the district headquarters.

He exhorted all stakeholders to put their views on the implementation of Ambikapur-type model in the district and urged them to cooperate and support the district administration in keeping the Seppa clean and green.

The deputy commissioner directed the departments concerned to keep the drainage clean by ensuring regular clearing of blockages and instructed the department concerned to ensure regular collection and disposal of garbage, and supervise the cleanliness activities in the township.

Damien Lepcha is Northeast Now Correspondent in Arunachal Pradesh. He can be reached at: [email protected]