The district administration of Lahaul-Spiti has stepped up preparedness to tackle natural disasters and emergency situations during the upcoming monsoon season. Sub-Divisional Magistrate (Civil), Keylong, Kunika Akers chaired a high-level meeting on pre-monsoon preparations and SDM, Udaipur, Alisha Chauhan and the Tehsildar, Kaza, also joined online.
The meeting focused on ensuring coordinated and effective disaster management preparations at the district level. Kunika Akers directed all departments to identify vulnerable and disaster-prone areas before the onset of the monsoon. She emphasised the need to strengthen relief and rescue resources and maintain proper inter-departmental coordination to ensure a quick response during emergencies.
She highlighted the geographical sensitivity of the tribal district and said that advance planning and preparedness were crucial in Lahaul-Spiti to minimise the impact of natural calamities and ensure timely rescue and relief operations.
The meeting reviewed the progress of works being carried out with the SDRF, NDRF and SDMF funds, including physical and financial achievements as well as pending utilisation certificates. Discussions were also held regarding the preparation of new proposals for additional financial assistance and speeding up pending developmental and disaster mitigation works.
The administration also directed the departments concerned to identify drought-prone areas and take preventive measures in advance. The Agriculture and Horticulture departments were instructed to be prepared for any adverse impact on crops and orchards during the monsoon season. The progress of HPDRR projects and various disaster mitigation activities being undertaken by various departments was also reviewed. Directions were issued for identifying suitable land for relief camps in case of emergencies.
Special attention was given to landslide-prone locations. Based on reports submitted by the Geological Survey of India (GSI), detailed discussions were held on risk reduction measures. Officials were instructed to prepare proposals under the State Disaster Mitigation Fund (SDMF) and the National Landslide Risk Mitigation Programme.
Departments told to appoint nodal officers
Kunika Akers instructed all departments in Keylong subdivision to appoint nodal officers for disaster management and regularly monitor preparedness measures. She stressed the need to establish subdivision-level control rooms and keep emergency communication systems active throughout the monsoon period.
To avoid shortages during adverse weather conditions, departments were directed to ensure advance stocking of essential commodities such as food items, LPG, petrol and diesel. The authorities concerned were also instructed to maintain adequate ration supplies in remote and sensitive areas while keeping a vigil on hoarding and black marketeering.
The Public Works Department, Panchayati Raj Institutions and the Rural Development Department were directed to clean drains, culverts, water channels and nullahs, particularly in flood-prone regions. Instructions were also issued to identify volunteers in different panchayats and prepare local disaster response plans.
The administration emphasised the timely dissemination of weather alerts received from the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Officials were asked to promote the use of mobile phone applications such as Sachet, Damini, and Mausam for better public awareness and early warning communication. The Health Department was instructed to ensure the availability of oxygen concentrators, emergency medicines and healthcare facilities in high-altitude areas.
