Madikeri: Madikeri MLA Mantar Gowda has issued a stern warning that stringent action will be taken against officials if any lapses occur during disaster management, relief, and rescue operations. Chairing the taluk-level Disaster Management Review meeting in Kushalnagar, he stated that officials would be held accountable for any shortcomings in disaster management efforts.
Focus on Preparedness and Vulnerable Areas
Recalling the natural disaster situation that unfolded during 2018-19, the MLA instructed officials to remain vigilant and make necessary preparations to prevent disasters in vulnerable regions across every gram panchayat. He specifically directed them to focus on low-lying areas and issue notices to residents living in vulnerable zones and dilapidated houses, urging them to move to safer locations. “Work needs to be done to create awareness among citizens about weather forecasts,” he added.
Relocation and Reporting Measures
Gowda instructed the concerned authorities to take steps to relocate residents living in flood-prone areas and asked officials to submit daily reports during periods of incessant rainfall. He also advised officials to track weather forecasts when declaring holidays for schools and colleges, forbidding them from declaring holidays unnecessarily.
Infrastructure and Relief Preparations
The MLA requested a comprehensive report on the purchase of tarpaulins required for the monsoon season and instructed officials to identify houses that are prone to collapse and take corrective measures. He ordered the completion of all relief works, including maintenance of drains, pruning of dangerous trees, and road repairs, before June 16. Additionally, he directed that relief centers be kept ready in required vulnerable zones.
Preventing Return to Unsafe Housing
“Steps must be taken to ensure that residents who have been provided rehabilitation houses by the government do not shift back to their old houses. Such old houses in vulnerable regions must be taken over by the government,” he said. All taluk-level officials were present during the meeting.
