June 13, 2025: Chief Secretary Reviews Monsoon Preparedness – Orders Mock Drills in Flood-Prone Areas
Dehradun – Chief Secretary Mr. Anand Bardhan held a review meeting on Friday with all districts regarding preparations for the upcoming monsoon season and issued necessary directions. He emphasized that all departments must strengthen their preparedness to effectively deal with potential disasters during the monsoon. Any remaining tasks should be completed promptly.
During the meeting held in the evening at the Secretariat, Commissioners of both divisions and all District Magistrates participated online. Mr. Bardhan highlighted that while pre-disaster preparedness is crucial, response time is equally important. The more efficient the response time, the more effective the relief and rescue operations will be, ensuring timely assistance to the public.
The Chief Secretary directed that mock drills be conducted in flood-prone and water-logged areas of Haridwar, Udham Singh Nagar, Nainital, and Champawat to address such emergencies effectively during the monsoon season. He noted that the upcoming months will be challenging for the state, especially with the ongoing Char Dham Yatra. Therefore, all line departments must remain on 24×7 alert. Relief and rescue teams, along with various departments, must ensure that in the event of any disaster, their teams reach the site immediately and execute their tasks without delay.
Preparedness by the Disaster Management Department
Disaster Management and Rehabilitation Secretary Mr. Vinod Kumar Suman briefed on the department’s preparedness for the monsoon season. He informed that nodal officers from various line departments have been deployed at the State Emergency Operation Center. A total of ₹162 crore has been released to districts for reconstruction, recovery, and relief operations from the State Disaster Response Fund and state sector. An additional ₹1 crore per district is being processed under preparedness and capacity-building funds. Departments have also been allocated funds accordingly.
Other Attendees
Principal Secretary Mr. R.K. Sudhanshu, Secretary Mr. Pankaj Kumar Pandey, Secretary Mr. S.N. Pandey, Secretary C. Ravishankar, Secretary Mr. Dheeraj Garbyal, Additional CEO (Administration) Mr. Anand Swaroop, Additional CEO (Implementation) DIG Mr. Rajkumar Negi, Joint CEO Mr. Mohammad Obaidullah Ansari, and Deputy Secretary Mr. Jyotirmay Tripathi were among the officials present.
Important Points Highlighted by the Chief Secretary
River Desilting is Essential Mr. Bardhan emphasized that one of the major causes of flooding and waterlogging during the monsoon is excessive silt accumulation in rivers. He stressed that desilting in forest areas is necessary and directed District Magistrates to resolve any challenges faced in desilting forest areas through dialogue with the government and ensure action.
Prompt Assistance to Disaster Victims
The Chief Secretary stated that providing relief to the public post-disaster should be the top priority of the administration. He instructed that gratuitous assistance must be provided to disaster-affected people at the earliest. He also directed that survey teams be formed at the Panchayat level to assess damage and expedite reconstruction efforts. Furthermore, based on requests from District Magistrates, he approved the provision of 4×4 vehicles and 4×4 ambulances to districts.
No Shortage of Funds, But Ensure No Misuse
Mr. Bardhan assured that there is no shortage of funds for disaster-related work. District Magistrates must ensure 100% utilization of the funds provided by the government under the disaster head and ensure that there is no misuse of funds.
Additional Instructions Issued by the Chief Secretary
Identify flood-prone areas and relocate people living there to safer locations based on weather forecasts.
Pre-identify relief camps and safe shelters in anticipation of floods.
Ensure adequate availability of boats and rafts during flood situations.
Make proper arrangements for food and medical care at relief camps.
Identify safe locations for livestock and arrange for fodder and veterinary care.
Ensure the availability of JCBs and other equipment for immediate road clearance in case of blockages.
Maintain stock of Bailey bridges for emergency alternate routes.
Stock essential supplies like food grains, petrol, diesel, LPG, and CNG.
Ensure that local shopkeepers in remote areas stock essential commodities in case of road closures.
Stock adequate medicines to manage waterborne infectious diseases during the monsoon.
Collect data of pregnant women and identify nearby private/community health centers for safe deliveries.
Maintain proper storage of equipment for uninterrupted electricity and water supply during disruptions.