Bhubaneswar, (Kalinga Voice) : Panchayatiraj,Drinking Water ,Law,H&UD Minister Sri Pratap Jena today reviewed the preparedness of Urban Development, Panchayatiraj & DW department in view of Cyclone YAAS and directed to strictly follow the SOP and instructions in this regards. The Urban local bodies and PR institutions to have alternative shelters and evacuation plan along with provision of adequate foodstuff and directed authorities to implement it on an urgent manner. Municipal Commissioners and Executive Officers to remain alert to mitigate the effects of this tropical cyclone and associated heavy rain-induced floods directed Sri Jena .
Instructions issued to make arrangement for alternate power supply and drinking water supply, special care for old, infirm, physically and mentally challenged, pregnant, lactating mothers, children and infants in the event of cyclone in all the ULBs specially in 56 ULBs including CMC and BMC of 12 costal districts. He also directed that all vulnerable households are to be identified and motivated for evacuation to safe shelters, all Aska lights, DG sets and other shelter level equipment kept ready for use, 24X7 Control Rooms operation to manage water supply and sanitation work.The control rooms be functional with proper management also.
They were directed to pre-position machineries and equipment such as tree cutter along with skilled staff in the areas likely to be affected ULBs and keep high capacity diesel pump sets in state of readiness for draining out water from low lying areas. Uninterrupted water supply is needed to be ensured in the ULBs and more number of water tankers under the disposal of the ULBs prepositioned. Power generator sets are needed to be kept ready for street lighting and water supply during power failures and all storage reservoirs are to be kept full by continuous pumping operation to ensure availability of adequate stock for 24 hours immediately after cyclone . This being COVID pandemic period, COVID protocols and COVID appropriate behaviours must be practiced during IEC, evacuation, shelters and post cyclone returns advised Sri Jena .
Minister Sri Jena also reviewed the arrangements made by Panchayatiraj department and Rural Water Supply and Sanitation in view of the Cyclonic Storm. Steps have already been taken for uninterrupted drinking water supply , relief , evacuation , shelter etc .Emphasis was also given for road clearance storage of foodstuff , dry ration , to remain prepared for free kitchen if required .All concerned staff be sensitised and be in readiness . There should not be any scarcity of drinking water in the affected area at any cost he directed .
Principal Secretary Housing and Urban Development G Mathivathanan ,Principal Secretary Panchayatijaj & DW D.K.Singh , Director Municipal Administration Sangramjit Nayak , Director Drinking Water and Sanitation B Parameswaran , EIC RWSS,MD WATCO and other departmental Officers attended the meeting held in virtual mode.
