GUWAHATI, March 6 - With a view to dealing with any untoward emergency during the coming monsoon season as well as to strengthening the disaster management system in the city, the Kamrup Metro district administration has formed a plan to train volunteers in each ward and village who will then act as �first responders� during any disaster.
Kamrup Metro Deputy Commissioner Dr M Angamuthu told this newspaper that all circle officers (COs) of the district have been directed to select 25 volunteers from each ward and village and to provide them training on search and rescue and first aid so that these volunteers can act as first responders during any disaster.
In addition, the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has been asked to start the process of tendering and rate fixation for procurement of relief items.
All COs have been directed to conduct the circle level disaster management committee meetings in their respective circles and prepare the contingency plan for the upcoming flood season.
�Ward level disaster management committee meetings will also be held in each ward involving ward councillors, area sabha members, nagarik committees and OCs concerned on various disaster-related issues and preparedness. All line departments have been told to complete pending SDRF works of 2014-15 and 2015-16 within March 31,� said Dr Angamuthu.
With regard to ground level work, the DC said that magistrates will carry out inspection of de-silting works of the departments and will have to submit reports along with photographs within seven ways.
�They are to inspect natural channels and water bodies like Bahini, Silsaku, Sarusala and Deepor Beel regarding encroachments and re-encroachments on the banks and submit reports to the DC within seven days. The COs concerned will seek police help for eviction drive,� he said.
Regarding the repair and restoration of the guard wall of the Bharalu in Nabin Nagar and Anil Nagar areas, the administration has directed the Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) to finish the work within April 30.
�In case of any eventuality, � if it happens � due to non-completion of the guard wall the GMDA will be held responsible,� said Dr Angamuthu.
The DC himself, along with the Commissioner of Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) and representatives from GMDA will carry out a joint inspection with regard to de-silting work at Anil Nagar, Nabin Nagar, Tarun Nagar and other places.
The Executive Engineer of Water Resources (Mechanical Division) has been asked to complete all repair and restoration of de-watering pumps before April 30, while the Superintending Engineer of PWD (Roads) has been directed to complete the development schemes and repair of roads within May.
�From Dharapur to airport area all natural channels and drains are to be cleared within this month. The CO of Azara revenue circle will coordinate with the water resources department in clearing blockages over the natural channels. The GMC has been directed to plan scientific ways to prevent flow of garbage and silt to the Deepor Beel,� said the DC.
The district administration has also asked the GMC and police to jointly inspect the sources of production of plastic bags and take necessary measures to prevent sale of non-permissible plastic bags.
