Patna: Bihar's Disaster Management Minister Ratnesh Sada on Tuesday directed officials to ensure that all permanent flood shelters are constructed on elevated land to prevent waterlogging in the future. Chairing a departmental review meeting after assuming charge, Sada asked officials to carry out immediate inspections of all under-construction shelters.
Minister Emphasizes Accountability and Safety
Sada stated that the department's responsibility extends beyond relief distribution to include safeguarding human life and fixing accountability. He noted that the use of technical solutions in recent years had improved disaster response and helped save lives across the state.
Coordinated Approach Stressed by Principal Secretary
During the meeting, Principal Secretary Santosh Kumar Mall emphasized the need for a coordinated approach to minimize loss of life and property. He called for timely departmental response to seasonal disasters, including floods, droughts, and fires, as well as local emergencies. Mall said public awareness and teamwork were essential to reduce disaster-related damage.
Overview of Departmental Schemes Presented
Joint Secretary Mohd Nadeemul Ghaffar Siddiqui presented an overview of departmental schemes covering relief operations for earthquakes, heatwaves, cold waves, and lightning strikes. He also detailed protocols for handling incidents of drowning and snake bites in flood-affected districts.
The meeting was attended by the SDRF commandant and officials from the disaster management and public relations departments.
