Mangaluru: Deputy Commissioner A B Ibrahim today summoned a meeting with MCC, MESCOM and other departments’ officials to discuss the preparations to face any worse situation in the upcoming monsoon.
Speaking at the meeting, Ibrahim said that Mangaluru should be prepared to face any possible natural calamity and there should be a ready solution for any problems arising.
“Officials from various departments should ponder on what had transpired in the last few years and how we responded to particular situations in the monsoon. Chennai witnessed a massive flood a few months back. Mangaluru is no different from Chennai. An environmental catastrophe is always possible. Encroachment is the prime reason behind the floods of Chennai,” he said.
Indian Coast Guard Commander, K R Suresh said that coast guard had an on-hand experience during the Chennai floods. There should be well in advance preparations to face such situations.
“Response to any problem during the monsoon should be in minutes and not in hours. That would put many lives in danger. Until and unless we are prepared well, we won’t be able to sort out any problems,” he said.
Informing about the precautionary measures taken by MCC, the Executive Engineer of MCC said that 60 groups are deputed in all the 60 wards, which will be ready with all the equipments to respond to any situation immediately. A task force team of 150 people have been formed which will remain on duty till September end.
MESCOM Executive Engineer Manjappa informed that public can contact the toll-free number and inform about problems if any. The message will be passed on to the concerned sub-divisions immediately to take further action.
Informing about the precautions taken by Fire Service Department, Chief of Fire Service Shashidhar said that equipments like concrete cutter, saw, search light and generator worth Rs 47 lakhs has been purchased by the department to face any kind of natural calamity.
Officials from Forest Department, Fire Service, Mangaluru City Corporation, MESCOM and others were present.
