Public advised to avoid rivers, travel in Kangra

Deputy Commissioner Hemraj Bairwa on Sunday urged residents of Kangra district to remain vigilant in view of the red alert issued by the Meteorological Department for the next two days, warning of heavy rainfall at several places.

He appealed to the residents and tourists to avoid going near rivers and streams, and refrain from unnecessary travel. “Stay in safe places and do not take any kind of risk during this period,” the Deputy Commissioner advised.

Presiding over a meeting on disaster management preparedness with all Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) and departmental officials via video conferencing, Bairwa directed officers to remain alert and take preventive steps.

Sensitive routes prone to landslides are to be closed for traffic wherever necessary to prevent loss of life and property. He informed that machinery, including JCBs, has already been deployed in vulnerable stretches to clear roads blocked by landslides.

The Deputy Commissioner also reviewed the relief and rehabilitation measures being carried out in different subdivisions. Special instructions were issued to the Indora SDM for continuous monitoring of flood-hit areas to ensure that the affected people receive timely relief. Officials from the Public Works, Jal Shakti and Electricity departments were asked to remain in the field to respond immediately to any emergency.

Bairwa said the district administration is regularly monitoring the water level of the Beas river. The Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) has been directed to provide daily reports to the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) under the Disaster Management Act.

The DC added that the toll-free number: 1077 of the District Disaster Management Centre must be contacted in case of emergencies. “Disaster Management Centres are operational round the clock at the district headquarters and in all subdivisions,” he added.

The meeting was attended virtually by ADM Shilpi Bekta, all SDMs and senior officials of the departments concerned.