Mangaluru: With widespread rains soaking Dakshina Kannada, acting Deputy Commissioner K Anandh has ordered heightened vigilance in areas vulnerable to floods and waterlogging. Chairing the District Disaster Management Authority meeting at Praja Soudha on Wednesday, he stressed proactive steps to prevent water stagnation, particularly in low-lying regions known for recurring floods.
Officials were instructed to carry out regular inspections and ensure free flow of rainwater by clearing blockages. He emphasized that no life should be lost due to human negligence. Landslide-prone and flood-risk zones must be identified early, and evacuations enforced when red alerts are issued.
K Anandh warned that lapses in disaster preparedness would be dealt with strictly under the Disaster Management Act. Village accountants, panchayat development officers (PDOs), and heads of local urban bodies must remain accessible and address public concerns promptly.
He also instructed that the district control room operate 24/7. To prevent accidents from falling trees or electric lines, the forest department and Mescom were told to act swiftly, deploying additional vehicles if needed. Drains along highways must be cleared to prevent flooding.
Dilapidated school and anganwadi structures must be vacated immediately, and teachers were urged to prevent children from touching electric cables or switches.
During heavy rain, access to waterfalls and beaches should be restricted. Fishermen must stay off rivers, and no one should sleep in boats during the fishing ban.
The minor irrigation department was told to desilt dams and barrages. A technical study near Mangaluru International Airport was reviewed, and airport authorities were asked to resolve public concerns about runoff from the runway.
The DC also directed water quality testing every 15 days. Officials must ensure drinking water is uncontaminated and promote boiling water, even from wells, to safeguard public health.
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