Media Release
Udupi, May 12: Udupi District commissioner Dr K Vidya Kumari has instructed officials to remain fully prepared and responsive to potential natural disasters during the upcoming monsoon season. She emphasized the need for timely planning and proactive measures to mitigate the impact of heavy rainfall.
Chairing the District Disaster Management Authority meeting held today at the Rajathadri District Administration Office in Manipal, Dr Kumari highlighted past issues of artificial flooding caused by excess rainwater entering homes and agricultural fields. She stressed the importance of preventive actions to avoid similar incidents this year.
She noted that clear instructions were issued two to three months ago to ensure the smooth flow of water through storm drains and canals. However, maintenance has been inadequate. She directed tahsildars to take immediate action.
Farmers have raised concerns about silt accumulation in rivers leading to water entering farmlands and damaging crops. Dr Kumari instructed officials to prioritize desilting operations.
She also called for measures to ensure rainwater flows freely on both sides of national highways. Noting the lack of response from engineers of highway departments despite prior notifications, she warned that failure to act would result in legal action under the Disaster Management Act, including filing FIRs.
Dr Vidya Kumari pointed out that despite directives last year to install rainwater harvesting systems in government and private borewells and open wells, only 44 of the 1616 open wells and 93 of the 1554 borewells have been equipped. She instructed officials to expedite installations and urged private parties to follow suit to improve groundwater levels and prevent water shortages in summer.
While drinking water supply is currently stable in the district, she directed that any issues be addressed promptly and that water quality tests be conducted regularly.
Regarding old and unstable trees, she emphasized the need for priority removal to avoid accidents. Last year, two fatalities occurred due to falling trees. She directed gram panchayat and executive officers to coordinate with forest department officials to carry out removal operations.
Funds have already been released for repairing damaged buildings and roads due to rains. She urged rapid completion of these works. Education department officials were asked to inspect school and college buildings to ensure their structural safety.
Task force committees under each gram panchayat should be fully functional, including anganwadi workers, ASHA workers, and women as members. Plans for disaster management at the village level must be formulated, and village accountants and panchayat development officers must respond swiftly in emergencies. In case of deaths due to disasters, compensation must be disbursed within 24 hours.
Given the current tension along the border, strict law and order and enhanced security measures are in place across the district. False news circulation will attract strict legal action, and vigilance is being maintained against hoarding and illegal markets. Officials have also been instructed to prevent artificial inflation of prices and to strictly follow central government guidelines on safety.
Speaking on the occasion, Superintendent of Police Dr Arun K stated that due to the current war-like situation with Pakistan, law and order preparations are being intensified. Fire and emergency centers will remain operational round-the-clock, and more than 400 civil defense volunteers have been identified. NCC and NSS volunteers over 18 years of age have already received training and will be deployed if needed. Coastal security has also been tightened.
Hospitals in the district have been directed to ensure availability of beds, medicines, and adequate stock while preventing shortages of medical personnel. In the event of any emergency, the public is urged to contact the district administration or police control room. Unauthorized drone usage is strictly prohibited, and misinformation from unofficial sources must not be shared on social media or other platforms.
The meeting was attended by assistant commissioner Rashmi S, district-level officers, taluk tahsildars, executive officers, and others.