Kangra Deputy Commissioner Hemraj Bairwa on Friday directed all departments to ensure coordinated preparedness to tackle heatwave conditions, forest fires and the possibility of water scarcity in the district during the summer season. Bairwa, while chairing a meeting in Dharamsala, stressed the need for close coordination among departments to deal effectively with any emergency situation arising due to extreme weather conditions or forest fires. He said that a state-level toll-free number, 1800-180-1916, had been set up for reporting forest fire incidents while people could also contact the District Emergency Operation Centre on toll-free number 1077 in case of emergencies.
He said that a prompt exchange of information, availability of resources and inter-departmental coordination were essential for effective disaster response. He emphasised better coordination among the Forest Department, Jal Shakti Department, Fire Services Department, District Emergency Operation Centre and field-level officers.
Bairwa directed the officials concerned to strengthen the disaster response mechanism so that timely and effective action could be ensured in case of an emergency. He instructed the Forest Department to map areas prone to forest fires and prepare a detailed inventory of available resources, including fire stations, water sources, vehicles and manpower.
He also asked the Forest Department to share the list of vulnerable forest areas with SDMs, Fire Department and panchayat representatives to improve preparedness and response at the local level. He expressed concern over the possibility of drinking water shortage in some areas and directed the Jal Shakti Department to identify vulnerable locations, make alternative arrangements and deploy water tankers, wherever required. He also asked the officials concerned to strengthen the water distribution system.
The Deputy Commissioner instructed the Fire Services Department to ensure an effective use of modern equipment to tackle forest fires and other fire-related incidents. He said that the district administration would extend all possible assistance for procuring necessary equipment.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Shilpi Beakta and officers of various departments attended the meeting.
