Kerala govt takes measures to mitigate disasters during summer

Thiruvananthapuram: Govt decided to allocate Rs 1 crore each to district collectors to carry out summer disaster mitigation and preparedness activities across the state. The decision was taken at a meeting on summer disaster preparedness chaired by chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday.The meeting reviewed state's preparedness for the summer and stressed the need for heightened vigilance against drought, drinking water scarcity, wildlife attacks, lightning, heat-related health issues and fire incidents.The funds will enable district administrations to implement preventive measures and coordinate response mechanisms at the local level. Chief minister directed that district-level summer preparedness meetings be convened to assess risks and ensure coordinated actions by various departments.As part of strengthening local preparedness, Vijayan pointed out that Moodadi grama panchayat in Kozhikode prepared a local heat action plan. He directed that all local self-govt institutions in the state prepare similar local heat action plans, based on the same model. A wide and intensive public awareness campaign should also be conducted to inform people about precautions to be taken during summer months.The meeting also decided to step up health sector preparedness. Health department will launch special heat clinics, and all primary health centres will be equipped to provide first aid for sunstroke and other heat-related illnesses.District administrations were instructed to ensure drinking water availability in public spaces. Water kiosks and temporary water distribution points (Thanneer Panthals) should be set up at places where people are likely to spend long periods, including major markets, junctions and bus stands.Chief minister directed authorities to ensure adequate arrangements in examination halls, including proper ventilation and availability of drinking water for students.Existing water kiosks should be repaired and additional kiosks may be installed where necessary. Officials were instructed to ensure the quality of drinking water supplied to the public.Chief minister stressed the need to take measures to prevent saltwater intrusion and to protect agricultural crops during the summer months. The meeting was attended by ministers K Rajan, Roshy Augustine and K Krishnankutty, chief secretary, district collectors, land revenue commissioner, Kerala state disaster management authority member secretary and other officials.