Tawang, April 20:
The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Tawang, convened a pre-monsoon preparedness meeting on Monday at the Deputy Commissioner’s office chamber to review readiness and strengthen coordinated response mechanisms ahead of the monsoon season.
The meeting was chaired by Deputy Commissioner Namgyal Angmo, IAS, and attended by key stakeholders, including Dy. Commander of Tawang Brigade Colonel M. Upadhyay, Superintendent of Police Tasi Darang, ADC (Headquarters) Rinchin Leta, and other district officials.
Assistant Commissioner Sange Norbu formally welcomed the participants and highlighted the importance of timely and effective preparedness to mitigate monsoon-related risks.
In her address, DC Namgyal Angmo emphasized the need for proactive planning and inter-departmental coordination. She directed all departments to review and update their inventories with the District Disaster Management Office (DDMO) prior to the onset of the monsoon. Works departments were instructed to carry out preliminary assessments of vulnerable structures and designate nodal officers to ensure swift and coordinated action during emergencies.
The Health Department was asked to maintain adequate stocks of essential medicines and ensure round-the-clock availability of medical personnel. The Food and Civil Supplies Department was tasked with keeping sufficient reserves of essential commodities.
Administrative officers and sub-divisional authorities were directed to identify and update safe evacuation zones and open spaces for emergency use. Meanwhile, the DLRSO and AMDO were instructed to inspect earth-cutting quarries that could pose potential risks.
The PHED and Urban Development departments were directed to ensure proper drainage clearance, while the PWD and RWD were asked to remain prepared for immediate road clearance operations and the construction of temporary bridges and shelters if required.
The DDMO was instructed to activate the District Emergency Operations Centre (DEOC) with immediate effect. An emergency contact number (7630823870) was circulated among members for prompt reporting and response.
Additionally, the PWD, RWD, and PHED were directed to conduct surveys of roads, drains, and water pipelines and submit detailed reports within a week. The Army and paramilitary forces were also requested to avoid dumping waste near the Changbu landfill site.
During the meeting, Army authorities suggested keeping excavators ready for emergency situations. Superintendent of Police Tasi Darang and other officials also shared inputs to enhance preparedness measures.
The meeting concluded with a collective commitment from all departments to ensure a coordinated and effective disaster management response during the upcoming monsoon season.
