Kohima: A state-level monsoon preparedness meeting was held under the chairmanship of Chief Minister and Chairman of the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA), Neiphiu Rio, at the CM’s Secretariat in Kohima on Monday.
Chief Minister Rio emphasised the need for all government departments to be prepared for the unpredictable nature of Nagaland’s monsoon season, which can result in either excess or deficient rainfall, each with potentially disastrous effects.
Rio stressed the importance of allocating funds for emergency situations to ensure immediate relief can be provided to those affected by monsoon-related incidents.
Rio called on the Public Works Department (PWD) (Roads and Bridges) to arrange for excavators in every district and ensure engineering divisions keep them readily available, whether through hiring or contributions from contractors or private parties.
He also appealed to the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) to clear all drainages, hume pipes, and culverts to ensure smooth water flow and prevent damage.
Highlighting the necessity of inter-departmental coordination, Rio noted that civil societies, including women leaders, should be involved in coordination meetings to effectively respond to and restore areas affected by monsoon-related disasters.
He urged the Agriculture Department to supply quality seeds and ensure timely distribution to farmers, and he instructed the Power Department to prepare for unforeseen incidents, as power cuts during the monsoon season cause significant hardship for citizens.
Expressing satisfaction with the department’s preparedness, Rio called for everyone to pray for the best but be prepared for the worst. He instructed the Chief Secretary to hold a video conference with all districts and meet with him in early June to discuss district preparedness for the upcoming monsoon season.
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Other attendees, including Minister PWD (R&B) G Kaito Aye, Minister of Health & Family Welfare P Paiwang Konyak, Minister of Food & Civil Supply, Legal Metrology K Tokugha Sukhalu, and Chief Secretary J Alam IAS, shared their concerns and requirements for monsoon preparedness during the meeting.
Joint Chief Executive Officer of NSDMA, Johnny Ruangmei, gave a presentation on “Monitoring and Forecasting of Monsoon 2024.” Various departments, including PWD (R&B), Civil Defence & State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Food & Civil Supplies, Health & Family Welfare, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), submitted their infrastructure upkeep reports and presented their monsoon preparedness plans.
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