How a disciplined bureaucracy helped state fight the deluge

Thiruvananthapuram: The state stood up to the unexpected floods unitedly but what really made things smooth – without resulting in multiple command centres and chaos – was a well-oiled, disciplined bureaucratic system that functioned under chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan from the administrative headquarters of the state.
Vijayan himself showed the way by holding two meetings with all secretaries and officials concerned with rescue and disaster management operations every day from August 11, at 9.30am and 6.30pm.The inputs coming to the chief minister through his office, from people’s representatives and party machinery were discussed and shared with secretaries and officials concerned at these meetings. They were later passed on to the district collectors.
Since the Centre’s role – especially paramilitary – was crucial, chief secretary Tom Jose would brief Union cabinet secretary P K Sinha on the situation and developments via video conference every day. The chiefs or vice-chiefs of Army, Navy and Air Force, Union home secretary Rajiv Gauba, defence secretary Sanjay Mitra, director general of NDRF Sanjay Kumar and other senior officials also attended these meetings. Officers like secretary of civil aviation R N Choubey and railway board chairman Ashwani Lohani also attended them as per the day’s requirement.
Other participants at the meeting with the Centre were secretaries of health, petroleum, telecom, food and civil supplies, power, consumer affairs and animal husbandry departments.
“The requirement of forces, additional logistics such as choppers and boats along with the day’s progress, situation were shared with the Centre,” Jose said. The requirements and shortcomings were addressed immediately.
The focus has now shifted to relief and rehabilitation. “We are preparing our district-wise requirements in various sectors for the next seven days and it will be conveyed to the Centre at the daily meeting,” Jose said.
Within the Secretariat, the control room functioned under additional chief secretary (revenue and disaster management) PH Kurian, with the chief secretary taking the overall charge.