Dimapur: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Monday directed all government departments in the state to be prepared for the upcoming monsoon season since Nagaland monsoon cannot be predicted because there may be excess or deficiency in rainfall which will have disastrous effects in both cases.
Chairing a state-level monsoon preparedness meeting at the CM’s secretariat in Kohima, Rio, who is also the chairman of the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority, said the state should provide some funds for emergency situations to the district administrations so that immediate relief can be given to those affected by monsoon-related incidents and situations.
Rio also directed the public works department (roads and bridges) to arrange JCBs in every district.
He also said the engineering divisions of the department in every district must arrange and keep a JCB handy through hiring or contribution from contractors or private parties to come to the rescue of the people for any untoward incidents during monsoon season.
Rio appealed to the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited to clear all drainages, hume pipes and culverts so that there is a smooth flow of water as to avert damages.
He asked the agriculture department to supply quality seeds and distribute seeds on time to the farmers.
The Chief Minister also instructed the power department to be prepared for any unforeseen incidents as every year power cuts during monsoon seasons cause a lot of hardship to the citizens.
Rio further asked the state chief secretary to have a meeting with the village councils in all the districts in the early part of June on the district preparedness for the upcoming monsoon season.
Rio stressed that the relief and aftereffects of different diseases and response and restoration need the coordination of all the departments.
“When such coordination meetings are called, the civil societies including women leaders, should be invited,” he added.