: In view of incessant rainfall and prevailing inclement weather conditions, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Akshay Labroo, who is also the Chairman of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) on Monday chaired a comprehensive review meeting here at Meeting Hall of the DC Office Complex to assess the preparedness and mitigation measures put in place by all line departments across the district in view of the inclement weather forecast & prevailing weather conditions.

The meeting was attended by Additional District Development Commissioner, Rifat Aftab Qureshi, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Mir Imtiyaz Ul Aziz, CEO DDMA, Aadil Fareed, IAS Probationer, Alfred Thomas,  Regional Transport Officer, Qazi Irfan, SP Headquarter, Umar Shah, SP Traffic, Zaheer Abbas, Joint Commissioner SMC, Nuzhat Khurshid,  Secretary SMC, Tahir Ahmad Magrey, Chief Planning Officer, Fayaz Ahmad Dar, Director IMD Srinagar Station, Mukhtar Ahmad, Superintending Engineers of R&B, PHE Hydraulic, KPDCL, UEED, Mechanical Irrigation, I&FC, SMC,  SDM West, Assistant Commissioner Revenue, Executive Engineers, all Tehsildars, Officers from NDRF, SDRF, Health, Legal Metrology, Fire & Emergency, Forest, FCS&CA, Civil Defence and other Departments.

At the outset, the Chairman DDMA emphasized the need for close coordination among all line departments and formulating an efficient plan to ensure prompt response to any weather related eventuality  in the District. He directed the Officers to remain in a state of readiness by mobilising all men and machinery on ground particularly at vulnerable spots to prevent any damage.

The DC stressed the importance of round-the-clock monitoring and close monitoring of identified vulnerable areas and taking swift action in case of any embankment breaches or flood-related emergencies.

He underscored the need for seamless coordination and effective communication among Officers, field functionaries and with the public during any emergencies to ensure swift response and minimize inconvenience. The DC emphasized undertaking advance dewatering measures and ensuring prompt intervention to prevent waterlogging, particularly at critical infrastructure and essential public facilities, including major hospitals, power stations, Government Offices, major roads and other vulnerable low-lying areas across the City

The DC further underscored the importance of seamless coordination among the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), District Police and the District Administration to ensure a swift, coordinated, and effective response to any eventuality. He directed the concerned agencies to pre-position adequate manpower, rescue teams, and essential equipment, besides mobilizing field staff well in advance, particularly in the vulnerable areas of Fakir Gujri, Hawan, and other higher reaches of the district, to effectively deal with any situation arising from any weather-related emergencies.

The DC instructed all line departments to maintain close coordination with the local Revenue authorities and ensure immediate on-ground intervention wherever the situation warrants.