Chikkamagaluru: With the monsoon approaching, the Chikkamagaluru district administration has started preparations to tackle possible crisis. Deputy commissioner Bhanwar Singh Meena has instructed officials to identify vulnerable areas and issue timely warnings to residents.Several teams have been formed to handle flood-like situations across the district during monsoons. The Home Guard team will be kept ready for immediate service. Precautionary measures issued by the meteorological department during thunder and lightning must be followed. Steps must be taken to ensure no human or animal lives are lost.The DC directed that drains and canals must be cleaned before the monsoon begins. In addition, urban and rural local bodies must take steps to ensure smooth flow of rainwater. Nodal officers will be appointed for quick response in case of heavy rainfall. Municipalities, town councils and town panchayats will keep control rooms open 24×7. Tahsildars and taluk offices will be in constant touch.The DC said water quality will be tested regularly. “Contaminated water will be rectified immediately. Gram panchayats will also undertake water quality testing and submit reports on it,” , he said.Action plans will be prepared to address problems caused by rain on state and national highways. If issues arise, it will be rectified immediately. If trees fall on roads, swift action must be taken to clear them, he said.Local bodies and the forest department must work in coordination to remove dangerous trees. He instructed MESCOM officials to restore power immediately if trees fall and disrupt electricity during rain and wind.Places in the district that have witnessed floods in the past must be identified and advance preventive measures must be taken now. Fire and emergency services must be ready with necessary safety equipment for quick response during emergencies, he said.
