Tawang, Apr 20: In view of the approaching monsoon season, the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Tawang, held a comprehensive preparedness meeting at the Deputy Commissioner’s office here on Monday, focusing on coordinated measures to mitigate risks and ensure swift emergency response.
The meeting was chaired by Deputy Commissioner Namgyal Angmo, and attended by key stakeholders, including Deputy Commander of Tawang Brigade Colonel M Upadhyay, Superintendent of Police Tasi Darang, ADC (HQs) Rinchin Leta, and heads of various departments.
Opening the session, Assistant Commissioner Sange Norbu underscored the urgency of advance planning and inter-departmental coordination to minimise potential disruptions during the monsoon.
Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Commissioner stressed a proactive and preventive approach, directing all departments to update their inventories with the District Disaster Management Office (DDMO) without delay. She instructed works departments to carry out detailed assessments of vulnerable infrastructure and appoint nodal officers to ensure seamless coordination during emergencies.
The Health Department was directed to maintain adequate stocks of essential medicines and ensure the availability of medical personnel at all times. The Food and Civil Supplies Department was asked to keep sufficient reserves of essential commodities, while administrative and sub-divisional officers were tasked with identifying and updating safe evacuation sites and open spaces.
To address environmental and infrastructural risks, the DLRSO and AMDO were instructed to inspect earth-cutting quarries, while the PHE and Urban Development departments were asked to prioritise drainage clearance to prevent waterlogging. The PWD and RWD were directed to remain on standby for immediate road clearance, and to prepare for the construction of temporary bridges and shelters if required.
The DC also ordered the immediate activation of the District Emergency Operations Centre (DEOC), with an emergency contact number issued for real-time reporting and coordination. Departments including PWD, RWD, and PHED were further instructed to conduct detailed surveys of roads, drains, and water supply systems and submit status reports within a week.
In addition, the Army and paramilitary forces were requested to avoid dumping waste near the Changbu landfill site. Army representatives suggested keeping excavators ready for rapid deployment during emergencies, while the district SP and other officials contributed inputs to strengthen response mechanisms.
The meeting concluded with a collective commitment from all departments and agencies to ensure preparedness, resilience, and effective disaster management across the district during the forthcoming monsoon. (DIPRO)