Assam’s Flood Preparedness Assessed by Chief Secretary Dr. Ravi Kota
Guwahati, April 30, 2024: Chief Secretary, Dr. Ravi Kota, IAS, spearheaded a comprehensive assessment of flood preparedness across the state of Assam today, ahead of the imminent rainy season. In a pivotal high-level gathering at the Chief Secretary’s conference hall, Dr. Kota meticulously scrutinized the readiness measures undertaken by various government line departments.
A key highlight of the meeting was the insightful presentation by Gyanendra Dev Tripathi, IAS, Principal Secretary of Revenue & DM, elucidating the state’s preparedness strategies for the upcoming flood season. Tripathi shed light on the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), financial delegations, and budget allocations earmarked for the fiscal year 2024-25.
An online demonstration by Civic Data Lab (CDL) showcased their Intelligent Data solution for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDS-DRR), tailored specifically for the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) to bolster flood resilience efforts.
In response to CDL’s presentation, Chief Secretary Kota advocated for a comprehensive approach towards disaster response, emphasizing the need to amalgamate aggregated data to address both immediate response and long-term resilience strategies.
Key decisions emerged from the meeting, including the delegation of financial powers to District Commissioners (DCs) for prompt administrative approvals and sanctions pertaining to flood-related works, in alignment with Finance department directives.
The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) revealed plans to enhance rainfall prediction accuracy, with updated forecasts scheduled for release by the end of May. Additionally, ongoing flood mitigation schemes in Majuli, led by the Brahmaputra Board, reported significant progress and proactive measures for flood preparedness.
Other pertinent discussions revolved around road restoration initiatives, rail track safety measures, and requisitioning of essential supplies, underscoring the multifaceted approach adopted by the state in mitigating flood risks.
Furthermore, collaborative efforts with international organizations like UNICEF were affirmed, focusing on the establishment of model relief camps and post-disaster assessment protocols, ensuring comprehensive support in times of crisis.
The meeting witnessed active participation from nodal officers and senior officials representing various stakeholder departments, underscoring the collective commitment towards bolstering Assam’s resilience against the impending flood season.
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