Jamshedpur: To identify alternative safe shelter homes where people can be shifted during emergencies, the District Disaster Management Authority convened a high-level meeting under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner Karan Satyarthi at the Collectorate on Wednesday. The meeting was aimed at ensuring full preparedness to protect lives and property in view of Cyclone Montha’s possible impact on East Singhbhum district over the next few days.
During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner directed all regional officers of municipal bodies, blocks, and circles to remain on maximum alert till November 1. He stressed that comprehensive safety arrangements must be made to tackle any situation arising due to heavy rainfall or strong winds forecast by the Meteorological Department. “Our foremost duty is to protect human lives. Every officer must stay vigilant and respond promptly to any emergency,” he said.
The DC instructed officials to immediately identify and report Anganwadi centers and school buildings with weak or damaged roofs. Unsafe government structures are to be sealed to prevent mishaps, while suitable public buildings, community halls, or schools in safe condition should be designated as shelter homes. He also ordered arrangements for food, drinking water, lighting, and sanitation at these centers and directed food suppliers to stay on standby.
Emphasizing transparency and speed in relief operations, the Deputy Commissioner said that if houses, crops, or public infrastructure suffer damage due to heavy rainfall or strong winds, reports must be submitted immediately for timely compensation. He asked officers to ensure citizens are informed about cyclone safety through social media, local announcements, and other communication channels.
The health department was instructed to ensure adequate availability of medicines in hospitals and health centers, while ambulances and medical teams must remain ready for deployment at short notice. “No delay should occur in providing medical assistance to affected citizens,” the DC emphasized.
He also cautioned officials regarding the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) currently in force in the Ghatshila assembly constituency. Any assistance from political parties or individuals during the cyclone should be coordinated only through the district administration to maintain order and impartiality.
The DC further directed that fallen trees, damaged electricity poles, and hanging wires be cleared or repaired immediately to prevent accidents. All blocks have been told to establish local command centers equipped with divers, ropes, life jackets, and other rescue materials for emergency operations.
Deputy Development Commissioner Nagendra Paswan, Rural SP Rishabh Garg, ADM (Law and Order) Bhagirath Prasad, District Public Relations Officer Panchanan Oraon, engineers from Building and Electricity Departments, Civil Defence representatives, DEO, DSE, and other senior officers attended the meeting. Block Development Officers, Circle Officers, and police station in-charges joined the review virtually.
The DC concluded by urging all departments to maintain round-the-clock coordination with the district control room and ensure an immediate, well-organized response to any situation arising from Cyclone Montha.
