Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized the importance of timely implementation of advisories issued by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) for flood management across all states and union territories.
He underscored India’s commitment to achieving ‘zero casualty’ during disasters under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Chairing a high-level meeting in Delhi to assess the country’s preparedness for flood management, Home Minister Shah reviewed both immediate and long-term strategies.
He directed the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Central Water Commission (CWC) to expedite the recalibration of flood forecasting equipment.
Discussions during the meeting also highlighted the adoption of new technologies and the expansion of networks crucial for effective flood management.
Reviewing the outcomes of previous decisions, Shah emphasized preparedness for Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) and instructed a detailed analysis of recent floods in Sikkim and Manipur.
He further stressed the maintenance of floodgate infrastructure at major dams nationwide.
The meeting also addressed the vulnerability of non-perennial rivers to soil erosion and siltation, factors contributing to increased flood risks.
Shah called for enhancements in river water level forecasting systems to bolster flood management efforts.
Highlighting infrastructure considerations, Shah proposed integrating natural drainage systems into road construction designs to mitigate flood-related road inundations.
Additionally, he proposed the construction of large ponds in Northeast India to store Brahmaputra River water, fostering local agriculture, irrigation, tourism, and flood control.
In addressing forest fire prevention, Shah directed the NDMA and Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) to implement precautionary measures such as regular creation of fire lines and mock drills.
He emphasized the importance of a comprehensive manual to manage forest fire incidents effectively.
Regarding public safety alerts, Shah instructed timely dissemination of IMD alerts on lightning strikes through SMS, TV, FM radio, and other mediums.
He advocated for integration of weather, rainfall, and flood warning apps developed by various departments to maximize their utility.
The meeting saw detailed presentations from IMD, CWC, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and NDMA regarding their preparedness for the ongoing monsoon season and future action plans.
Union Minister for Jal Shakti C.R. Paatil, Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai, along with senior officials from ministries including River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Earth Sciences, Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Road Transport and Highways, Railway Board, NHAI, and heads of NDRF and IMD departments, participated in the deliberations.
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