Home Minister Amit Shah has directed the India Meteorological Department and the Central Water Commission that efforts should be made to upgrade the forecast system of water levels in rivers for better flood management. During a high-level meeting to review the preparedness of flood management in New Delhi, they also reviewed long-term measures to formulate a comprehensive and far-reaching policy to mitigate the menace of floods in the country. He directed that the IMD’s alerts regarding lightning strikes should be disseminated to the public through SMS, TV, FM radio, and other mediums. He emphasised the need to integrate weather, rainfall, and flood warning-related apps developed by various departments. Mr Shah said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country’s disaster management is moving forward with a zero-casualty approach. The Home Minister asked the India Meteorological Department and the Central Water Commission to complete the process of recalibrating all the equipment used in flood forecasting. He also directed that the floodgates of all the major dams be in good condition. He said that the flood monitoring centres of the CWC should be following the country’s requirements and international standards.
Mr. Shah also reviewed the preparations to deal with the Glacial Lake Outburst Flood. He also emphasised the optimum use of satellite imagery provided by the Indian Space Research Organisation by various agencies for flood and water management.
The Home Minister also instructed the NDMA and the Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Climate Change to take precautionary measures to prevent incidents of forest fire. He stressed the need to regularly create fire lines, remove dry leaves, and conduct mock drills from time to time with residents and forest personnel.
Union Minister for Jal Shakti, CR Paatil, Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai, Union Home Secretary, Secretaries of various Ministries and Departments, and senior officials attended the meeting.
Disclaimer: This press release is sourced from News On AIR, Prasar Bharti and Press Information Bureau India (PIB).
