PNS|Vijayawada
Chief Secretary K Vijayanand has directed all departments to be fully prepared with comprehensive action plans to handle potential disasters during the southwest monsoon season, including cyclones and floods. Chairing a video conference from the State Secretariat on Thursday, he reviewed the state’s monsoon preparedness with senior officials from various state departments, as well as representatives from the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, NDRF and other central agencies.
Vijayanand emphasised the need for immediate readiness, noting that the monsoon season has already commenced.
He underscored the importance of close coordination among all departments to mitigate the impact of heavy rains and cyclonic events, especially in vulnerable areas prone to flooding from overflowing rivers, canals and streams.
He instructed the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) and other relevant agencies to carry out advance assessments in coordination with Vassar Labs, and to collaborate closely with ISRO through RTGS for real-time data and support.
“The aim should be to minimise loss of life and property and to restore normalcy at the earliest,” he stated.
The Chief Secretary issued detailed instructions to key departments. The Water Resources Department was directed to strengthen flood embankments, keep sandbags ready, and intensify patrolling in floodplains.
The Roads and Buildings Department was asked to ensure the availability of JCBs, cranes and power shovels for the swift removal of fallen trees and debris on highways. The Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Department was told to keep standby generators ready for water supply schemes and ensure the integrity of pipelines.
The Municipal Administration Department was urged to expedite the desilting of drains and canals in urban areas.
The Energy Department was asked to maintain stocks of standby generators, tree cutters and electricity poles. The Medical and Health Department was instructed to stock essential medicines and raise public awareness to prevent disease outbreaks in flood-hit areas. The Civil Supplies Department was directed to ensure sufficient stocks of essential commodities at all MLS points.
Vijayanand also instructed Revenue Principal Secretary G Jayalakshmi to circulate GOs No. 1 and 13, which enhance compensation under the Scale of Finance for disaster victims, to all departments. He recommended that department-wise reviews on disaster preparedness be conducted every 15 days.
Commending the consistent support of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and NDRF in previous emergencies, the Chief Secretary urged continued coordination and commitment from all stakeholders.
The meeting was attended by Prakhar Jain, Director of SDMA, and Special Chief Secretaries MT Krishna Babu and B Rajasekhar, among others. Central agencies participated virtually and presented their preparedness strategies.
