Odisha government activates disaster response machinery
BHUBANESWAR: The state government on Sunday activated its disaster response and mitigation machinery in view of the impending cyclone Dana.
Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja reviewed the preparedness of the state and district administrations and instructed collectors to get their action plan ready by Monday.
While asking the collectors to get the cyclone shelters and evacuation plans ready immediately, Ahuja sought their disaster mitigation requirements including deployment of ODRAF, Fire Services and NDRF units, by Monday. The collectors have been asked to visit cyclone shelters personally on Monday to ensure that the facilities are equipped with functional amenities and ready to accommodate the evacuated people from vulnerable areas.
Revenue and Disaster Management minister Suresh Pujari said all necessary steps are being taken to ensure safety and security of the people. “The state government has started taking steps in advance to reduce the impact of the possible cyclone. Detailed discussions have been held with the officials concerned and the administration in different districts asked to stay alert and prepared to deal with the situation,” he said.
Special relief commissioner (SRC) DK Singh told mediapersons after the meeting that the district administrations have been directed to work with the goal of Zero Casualty. “The government is keeping a close watch on the developing situation. Leaves of all government employees have been cancelled,” he said.
In an advisory issued on Sunday, the state government has also instructed the field officials to remain prepared to meet any eventuality, particularly waterlogging and landslides in hilly areas. They have been asked to ensure that man and material are pre-positioned in vulnerable areas. Advice for fishermen are also to be strictly implemented, it added.
Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare minister Krushna Chandra Patra warned stringent action against those who are found indulging in unscrupulous business practices like hoarding and black-marketing of essential commodities, taking advantage of the calamity.
Talking to reporters after a review meeting in Cuttack, Patra said there is sufficient stock of all essential commodities in the state. “The government will not tolerate any kind of illegal trade practice and exploitation of consumers by resorting to hoardings of essential items,” he said.