As part of preparedness for the northeast monsoon, workers of civic agencies have been asked to be prepared for disaster relief work in any part of the State.
“Civic workers from areas that are not affected will carry out relief operations in cyclone affected areas,” said an official.
Review meet
Local Administration Minister S.P. Velumani reviewed the preparedness and asked all civic workers to be prepared for any cyclonic event this monsoon season.
Civic agencies, including Chennai Corporation, have been asked to identify more buildings for accommodating flood-affected residents in the event of a cyclone this northeast monsoon.
Corporation officials said 25% of the work on missing links of stormwater drains have been completed.
“We faced Cyclone Vardah. So we are fully prepared. We have already taken action based on the checklist for management of cyclonic events,” said an official of the Chennai Corporation.
Local officials are checking weak structures such as hoardings, banners, advertisements in bus shelters, high rise buildings and weak trees to prevent any disaster during a cyclone.
Stormwater drains
Ahead of the northeast monsoon, the Chennai Corporation has also restricted work on linking stormwater drain to just 185 locations. As many as 335 locations were identified for development of missing links of stormwater drains. After the civic body started work, residents have complained to the Chennai Corporation about disruption of civic utilities during the course of work for development of missing links. “We have given each of the 73 contractors just two or three locations. They will have to complete work before any cyclone strikes the city,” said an official. Chennai Corporation will resume work in new areas only after the existing projects are completed.
Chennai Corporation has set up a control room with officials of all line agencies supporting civic officials. Residents are requested to call corporation helpline 1913 to report civic issues caused during any disaster event this northeast monsoon.