Khonsa, Apr 27: With the monsoon season approaching, the Tirap district administration convened a review meeting on Monday to strengthen preparedness against floods, landslides, and other seasonal challenges.
The meeting, held at the DC’s conference hall, was chaired by Assistant Commissioner NL Naam and attended by officials from various departments to ensure a coordinated response strategy.
District Disaster Management Officer Emily Tingkhatra stated that the objective of the meeting was not just to review preparedness but also to identify gaps and address them proactively before the rains intensify. Representatives from line departments shared updates on their readiness and highlighted areas requiring immediate attention.
Emphasizing a proactive approach, the chair called for swift response mechanisms, strong ground-level coordination, and constant monitoring to minimise risks to life, infrastructure, and public health.
Key directions were issued during the meeting. Engineering departments were asked to prioritise the clearance of clogged drains and culverts to prevent waterlogging, with a warning of strict action against encroachments obstructing drainage systems. Regular inspections of power and water supply infrastructure were also mandated.
The Health Department was directed to ensure adequate stock of essential medicines and availability of medical personnel across all health centres. Authorities were also instructed to maintain sufficient food supplies in fair price shops and ensure the availability of essential commodities in local markets.
Administrative officers were asked to identify vulnerable areas, earmark safe shelters, and prepare evacuation plans for quick response if required. The meeting also stressed round-the-clock monitoring of river levels and rainfall, with immediate reporting of any unusual developments to the District Emergency Operation Centre (DEOC).
Departments were directed to ensure prompt reporting of incidents through the fastest communication channels, followed by submission of detailed reports within 48 hours. They were also instructed to update and submit their Disaster Management Plans and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), along with contact details of nodal officers.
Concluding the meeting, the chair called for collective responsibility and urged all departments to remain alert and work in close coordination to safeguard lives and property during the monsoon season. (DIPRO)