A state-level monsoon preparedness meeting was convened under the leadership of Chief Minister and Chairman of the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA), Neiphiu Rio, at the CM’s Secretariat in Kohima today.
Addressing the meeting, Chief Minister Rio highlighted the unpredictable nature of Nagaland’s monsoon, noting that both excess and deficient rainfall could lead to disastrous consequences. He emphasized the need for all government departments to be fully prepared for the upcoming monsoon season.
To ensure swift emergency responses, Rio stressed the importance of allocating funds to district administrations for immediate relief efforts for those affected by monsoon-related incidents. He directed the Public Works Department (PWD) (Roads and Bridges) to ensure that JCB machines are available in every district, either through hiring or contributions from contractors and private parties, to handle emergencies effectively.
Rio also called on the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) to clear all drainage systems, hume pipes, and culverts to prevent water logging and damage. He highlighted the necessity for coordinated efforts among various departments to manage relief and response to post-monsoon diseases, urging the inclusion of civil societies and women leaders in coordination meetings due to their vital role in disaster management.
The Chief Minister further instructed the Agriculture Department to provide quality seeds and ensure timely distribution to farmers. He also urged the Power Department to be prepared for potential power outages during the monsoon, which often cause significant inconvenience to the public.
Expressing satisfaction with the current level of monsoon preparedness, Rio called for collective prayers for the best outcome while being prepared for the worst. He instructed the Chief Secretary to hold a video conference with all districts and conduct a meeting in early June to review district-level preparedness.
During the meeting, PWD Minister G Kaito Aye, Health & Family Welfare Minister P Paiwang Konyak, Food & Civil Supplies and Legal Metrology Minister K Tokugha Sukhalu, and Chief Secretary J Alam IAS shared their concerns and requirements for monsoon preparedness.
Joint Chief Executive Officer of NSDMA Jhonny Ruangmei presented a PowerPoint on ‘Monitoring and Forecasting of Monsoon 2024’. Various departments, including PWD (R&B), Civil Defence & State Disaster Response Force (CD & SDRE), Food & Civil Supplies, Health & Family Welfare, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), also submitted their infrastructure upkeep reports and presented on their monsoon preparedness measures.
