Tamil Nadu chief secretary holds monsoon preparedness meeting with dept heads

CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu government on Friday directed the administrators to regularly monitor the districts in the Western Ghats, which are likely to receive heavy rainfall due to the southwest monsoon, and the water flow into the dams. Storm water drain work being carried out in Chennai and other parts of the state should be completed as soon as possible.
Chief secretary V Irai Anbu convened a meeting with heads of the departments, key representatives of armed forces, meteorology department, central water commission, NDRF, and commissioner of Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) on the monsoon preparedness. “The chief secretary advised the departments concerned to prepare a disaster management plan for the southwest monsoon and appoint appropriate officers to deal with disasters effectively, keep all necessary equipment ready and all departments work in tandem,” said an official release.
Corporations, municipalities and rural development officials should identify shaky banners in all districts and remove them immediately. Weak buildings should be identified, and steps should be taken to demolish, the release added.
The GCC has been told to continue desilting of storm water drains and ensure that sensors installed in the subways function properly. Motor pumps should be kept ready to remove stagnant water. In case of flooding, the traffic police should make alternate routes so that the public don’t face inconvenience.