A high-level review meeting was convened today under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena to assess the state’s preparedness for the upcoming monsoon season. The meeting focused on proactive measures to ensure public safety and effective disaster response across Himachal Pradesh.
Chief Secretary Saxena directed concerned departments to train civil defense volunteers, strengthen coordination with dam management authorities, and ensure swift restoration of blocked roads and water supply systems. He also instructed all Deputy Commissioners to formulate and implement detailed monsoon contingency plans at the district level.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) presented an overview of monsoon progression, past weather patterns, and the early warning system. The Central Water Commission shared insights on flood forecasting and alert mechanisms. Teams from NDRF and SDRF, along with departments of Home Guards, Civil Defense, and Fire Services, provided updates on their preparedness, equipment readiness, and disaster response stockpiles.
Deputy Commissioners from all districts, along with senior administrative officials, joined the meeting virtually and presented district-level plans and progress on monsoon-related preparations. Detailed discussions were held on the feedback, suggestions, and strategies received to mitigate risks associated with natural disasters during the monsoon.
Earlier, D.C. Rana, Director and Special Secretary (Revenue and Disaster Management), briefed the gathering on actions already taken in anticipation of the Southwest Monsoon.
The meeting saw participation from Additional Chief Secretary K.K. Pant, departmental secretaries, heads of various departments including Health, Police, PWD, Jal Shakti, HPSEB, and Fire Services, among others. The collective focus remained on ensuring coordinated response and safeguarding communities across the state during the monsoon
