BCC activates 24x7 rapid response teams for monsoonemergencies

Belagavi: In a proactive measure to tackle monsoon-related emergencies, Belagavi City Corporation (BCC) has constituted dedicated disaster response teams, designated as Rapid Response Teams, to ensure swift action during incidents such as heavy rainfall, waterlogging, fallen trees, road blockages, and traffic disruptions.The city has been divided into three operational zones—North, Central, and South—with separate teams assigned to each division. The North Division team will function under the supervision of engineer Ankit and comprises engineers, health inspectors, and sanitation personnel. The central division team, headed by engineer Jagdish S, will focus on stormwater drainage management, sewerage maintenance, and emergency sanitation operations in urban areas. Engineer Channabasav Madiwalar will lead the South division team.To facilitate prompt response, the civic body has established a 24x7 control room and helpline system for all three divisions. The parks' maintenance department has also been integrated into the emergency response mechanism, with four gardeners attached to each team to address incidents involving fallen trees and broken branches immediately. These personnel will coordinate with field teams to clear roads and remove obstructions.The corporation has additionally formulated specific protocols for dewatering waterlogged areas through motor pumps, desilting drains, clearing garbage, restoring road safety, and ensuring smooth traffic movement. Special monitoring has been directed at major junctions and flood-prone locations across the city.Officials said complaints received from citizens through helplines, emergency calls, social media platforms, or direct communication will be immediately relayed to the concerned rapid response team, significantly reducing response time and enabling quicker assistance at affected sites.Meanwhile, under a mandatory night duty mechanism, each division will deploy at least two engineers, two health inspectors or sanitation supervisors, and the required support staff from 8pm to 8am daily. The arrangement has been made compulsory in view of the heightened risk of heavy rainfall during monsoon.The BCC said the round-the-clock emergency preparedness system is aimed at ensuring timely intervention and minimising inconvenience to residents during adverse weather conditions.