Lucknow — In anticipation of possible floods during the monsoon season, the Lucknow District Flood Steering Committee has begun its comprehensive preparedness and coordination efforts. Key departments and agencies including NDRF, SDRF, police, irrigation, municipal corporation, medical, food and civil supplies, PAC 32nd Battalion, PWD, animal husbandry, housing and urban development, agriculture, Jal Kal, disaster management authority, IMD, traders’ associations, and the revenue department are all collaborating on a detailed action plan.
A coordination meeting was recently held on April 28 at 1:00 PM, chaired by District Magistrate Vishakh G, to assess flood response mechanisms and strengthen weak areas. The meeting outlined specific responsibilities for each department.
Coordination with Boatmen and Divers
The Additional District Magistrate (Finance and Revenue) directed all tehsils to maintain close coordination with boatmen and divers in flood-prone areas. Data on the availability and condition of boats is being collected. Authorities emphasized setting up mechanisms for immediate access to rescue personnel in the event of waterlogging or flooding.
Urban Preparedness and Drainage Action
Municipal officials have been tasked with ensuring that pumping stations are fully functional ahead of time and that drain cleaning is completed to avoid water stagnation. The electricity department has been instructed to maintain uninterrupted power supply to flood control installations and repair any faulty transformers or cables.
Medical and Veterinary Readiness
The Deputy Chief Medical Officer and Chief Veterinary Officer assured that lifesaving medicines will be stocked in flood-prone areas. Special attention will be given to both human and animal health, given the potential for disease outbreaks due to flooding.
Emergency Communication and Control
The Assistant Commissioner of Police was directed to install wireless sets at flood watch posts for emergency communication, as done in previous years. The Revenue Department is compiling an updated list of rescue workers, divers, and flood relief personnel to be stored at the control room jointly managed by the municipal body and the District Disaster Management Authority for immediate mobilization.
Departmental Flood Action Plans Due by May 7
All departments have been directed to submit their individual flood relief action plans to the district office by May 7. This comprehensive approach is expected to enhance response speed, inter-agency coordination, and public safety during potential flood events.
District Magistrate Vishakh G emphasized the importance of timely implementation, urging departments to act decisively to safeguard public life and infrastructure.
With these coordinated efforts, Lucknow gears up to face the monsoon season with greater preparedness and resilience.
