Take immediate steps to tackle floods, Raichur officers told

Raichur Deputy Commissioner and Chairman of the District Disaster Management Authority Nitish K. has directed officers of government departments concerned to take immediate steps to tackle rain-related incidents that may possibly occur due to excess rain as per a forecast by India Meteorological Department.

Issuing a circular to all Tahsildars, Zilla Panchayat officers, the Police Department, the city corporation and Assistant Commissioners of the district on Wednesday, Mr. Nitish said that the National and State Disaster Management Authorities have given an advisory about excess rainfall, over and above the average during the monsoon season, in the district and also cautioned the administration to take precautionary steps to tackle floods, landslips and other rain-related incidents.

“The officers should set up a control room working round the clock where affected people can submit their problems or grievances. Nodal officers are to be appointed to supervise floods, if any. The general public residing in riverbank villages are to be alerted with proper guidance through tom tom to prevent them from going near the river for any reason, including fishing, as there is every possibility of rivers swelling due to rainfall,” he said.

The Deputy Commissioner has specifically said that Kalaji (earlier Ganji) Kendra should be kept functional to provide food and shelter to people affected by floods and rainfall.

The taluk-level and other staff should coordinate with the district-level officers to send continuous messages and information based on the rain situation. No leave will be given for assigned officers for flood- and rain-related works.

The gram panchayat and Disaster Management Committee should act upon these guidelines. Strict legal action will be taken against officers if they are found to be negligent while executing official duty, Mr. Nitish said.