Take precautionary measures to prevent monsoon losses: Min

Udupi: District minister Laxmi R Hebbalkar directed officials to take all necessary precautionary measures to ensure that no loss of life, property or inconvenience is caused to the public due to heavy rain during the upcoming monsoon seasonChairing the KDP meeting held at the deputy commissioner’s office at Rajathadri on Saturday, the minister directed officials to ensure that excessive rainfall does not disrupt daily lives of people. “Roads damaged by rain should be repaired promptly to avoid disruption to transportation. Necessary precautions should be taken to prevent accidents near footbridges and culverts. Forest department should begin work immediately to avoid power disruptions during the monsoon,” she directed. She also directed officials to remove dangerous trees and restore electricity quickly in case electricity poles fall during heavy rain.Referring to repair works in schools and colleges, she said 186 different works had been undertaken at a cost of Rs 430 crore. However, 45 works are still incomplete, and should be finished before the onset of monsoon. She also reviewed the Midday Meal scheme in schools, and instructed officials to ensure there are no disruptions in providing meals to students.Highlighting the increased risk of diseases during the rainy season, she directed health officials to create awareness among the public and maintain adequate stocks of medicines in all primary health centres. Referring to the shortage of gynaecologists at Karkala taluk hospital, she said the number of deliveries at the hospital had fallen from over 126 earlier to just five or six now. She instructed officials to appoint specialist doctors immediately, or enter into agreements with private hospitals to provide healthcare services.With agricultural activities expected to increase during the monsoon, the minister instructed officials to maintain adequate stocks of seeds and fertilisers and distribute them according to farmers’ needs. She said govt schemes meant for farmers should not remain confined to records, and must reach farmers directly at their doorstep.