New Delhi: In a follow-up to the review meeting on heat wave and monsoon preparedness meeting chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 5, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) held a review meeting on Friday to review the preparedness for the upcoming Southwest Monsoon.
During the meeting, the state disaster management plans of 19 states and Union Territories were reviewed and discussion was held on ensuring functionality of State Emergency Operation Centres and District Emergency Operation Centres round the clock.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) informed that the forecast of the Southwest Monsoon is “normal” while the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has already planned for pre-monsoon deployment for most vulnerable areas with respect to flooding in consultation with states and Union Territories.
Based on the recommendations of the PM Modi on May 5, the adoption of the concept of Decision Support System with Integrated Flood Early Warning System was discussed along with the danger and warning levels of reservoirs and dams was also reviewed and the need for timely checks was emphasised.
The new emerging threats of flooding of sand mines and coal mines were also discussed along with the deployment of Aapda Mitra volunteers to help manage disasters at various levels in districts and States and the timely procurement and storing of gears and equipment was also discussed.
Efforts of National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) in preparation of ‘Flood Hazard Zonation Atlas’ of various states were also deliberation upon while the use of Damini App, Nowcast as also various Google alerts for effective early warning dissemination was emphasised, to achieve a target of zero mortality in the coming Monsoon season, the officials privy to the discussions said.
The meeting was attended by the officers and scientists from the IMD, the NRSC, Central Water Commission, NDRF, Integrated Defence Staff, Indian Coast Guard, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, and Ministry of Home Affairs along with the Resident Commissioners of 19 flood-prone states and UTs.
(IANS)
