14 June 2025: Hon’ble Chief Minister Reviewed Monsoon Preparedness
CM Orders JCBs to Reach Landslide Sites Within 15 Minutes Instructions Issued for Safety Audits of All Bridges Across the State Dehradun – Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami has issued strict instructions to the Public Works Department (PWD) and concerned officials to ensure that JCB machines reach any landslide site within 15 minutes during the monsoon. He also directed the safety audit of all bridges in the state and emphasized timely patchwork and repair of roads.
Additionally, the CM instructed the Secretary of the PWD to personally inspect the condition of roads and bridges by traveling to various areas.
On Saturday, Chief Minister Dhami conducted a detailed review of the state’s monsoon preparedness at the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC). Keeping in mind the upcoming monsoon and potential medical emergencies, he instructed that old ambulances be promptly replaced. He also directed arrangements for an additional helicopter for Pithoragarh and urged the District Magistrate to expedite helipad and airport construction work in the region.
Key Instructions from the CM:
Identify dilapidated school buildings and immediately relocate students to safe shelters; stop academic activities in such schools during monsoon.
Within the next three days, verification of schools, hospitals, ashrams, and other sensitive locations must be completed for safety.
Ensure regular monitoring of reservoirs and removal of silt as needed.
In flood-prone plains like Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar, conduct surveys with expert agencies for permanent flood control and drainage solutions.
The CM emphasized real-time updates of blocked roads on apps and websites by the PWD. He also stressed the importance of accountability among officers in disaster response and preparedness.
Public Awareness and Community Involvement:
Ensure wide publicity of disaster-related helpline numbers, ‘Sachet’ app, and other communication tools to raise public awareness.
All departments must prioritize disaster response, working with team spirit and coordination.
Instructed to involve and train local citizens to assist NDRF and SDRF personnel in relief and rescue efforts.
Additional Measures:
Adequate deployment of SDRF and NDRF teams in all disaster-prone regions.
Conduct safety audits of all helipads and ensure necessary safety measures are in place.
Create a database of pregnant women expected to deliver within the next four months and initiate pre-arranged care plans in light of the monsoon.
In Nainital district, the CM ordered expedited work on the Gola Approach Road, and if additional funding is required, it should be requested from the state government.
He also directed speeding up the Kainchi Bypass construction, ensuring that all formalities and No Objection Certificates (NOCs) are completed promptly. Furthermore, he instructed immediate treatment of landslide zones in Kwarab.
Attendees at the Meeting Included:
Shri Vinay Kumar Ruhela, Vice Chairman, State Advisory Committee for Disaster Management
Chief Secretary Shri Anand Bardhan
Principal Secretary Shri R.K. Sudhanshu
Home Secretary Shri Shailesh Bagoli
Director General of Police Shri Deepam Seth
Secretary Shri Pankaj Kumar Pandey
Additional Chief Executive Officer (Administration) Shri Anand Swaroop
Additional CEO (Implementation) DIG Shri Rajkumar Negi
Joint CEO Mohammad Obaidullah Ansari
SDRF Deputy Commandant Shri Shubhang Rathudi
Dr. Bimlesh Joshi and other senior officials
The Chief Minister reiterated that monsoon preparedness must remain a top priority, with rapid response, safety assurance, and public welfare as the core objectives.