Udupi: The Deputy Commissioner of Udupi district has said that all possible impediments that obstruct smooth movement of road users on the National Highway in case of natural calamities during the rainy season will be set right within one week.
DC Hepshibha Rani Korlapatti, during a meeting on Friday at the DC’s office held to ascertain the district’s preparedness to face the monsoon, said that highway and drainage works are incomplete at many places in the district, which can pose inconvenience during the monsoon. She directed the National Highway Authority and the National Highway division to be proactive and ensure that necessary works are done. She warned stern action against officials showing negligence towards their duty.
The DC directed all the Tahshildars across the district to maintain contact with the national highway officials and urged the forest department to be alert and respond on time in case trees are uprooted causing damage to property and lives.
The DC said that government schools will be used as gruel centres in case of emergencies during monsoon and hence the education department must identify the schools that can be used for this purpose. She directed the school authorities to hold a meeting with the parents during the begining of the academic year and tell them to make sure their children do not venture out for swimming as highest cases of drowning of students are reported every year during the rainy season. She has further warned of criminal cases against quarry owners and contractors if drowning cases are reported from abandoned quarry sites.
Desilting of the drains and storm water drains to facilitate smooth flow of water, action plan to tackle vector borne disease, opening helpline at the taluk office in this regard were some of the other issues touched upon by the DC.
