Shimla braces for monsoon: DC ensures round-the-clock vigil

Shimla Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap along with Superintendent of Police Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi, chaired a key monsoon preparedness meeting in Theog on Thursday, bringing together subdivision-level officers to review disaster response mechanisms ahead of the rainy season.

Addressing the meeting, Kashyap emphasised the need for round-the-clock vigilance and seamless coordination among departments. He announced that a Police Rapid Response Team will be stationed 24x7 at the Theog Police Station, while a Home Guard Rapid Response Team will operate continuously from the Home Guard Training Centre in Parala. He issued clear instructions to all patwaris (revenue officials) and panchayat secretaries to remain at their respective headquarters throughout the monsoon period to ensure immediate availability in case of emergencies.

The DC underscored the importance of proactive communication between field officers and local panchayat pradhans. He said any issues faced by residents during the monsoon must be addressed without delay and all response agencies must act swiftly in the event of a disaster.

Further strengthening preparedness measures, Kashyap directed the Block Development Officer to provide the list of trained volunteers to the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) and Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), enabling their deployment in rescue and relief efforts as needed. The Block Medical Officer has also been asked to appoint a nodal officer responsible for ensuring the availability of both government and private ambulances. This officer will be tasked with maintaining continuous communication with ambulance drivers to ensure timely response to medical emergencies.

Officials from critical departments — including Public Works, Jal Shakti (Water Supply), and Electricity — were directed to maintain uninterrupted essential services during the monsoon. In case of service disruptions, these departments must restore operations as swiftly as possible. The DC also instructed that all machinery and equipment be stationed near vulnerable locations to enable rapid deployment in case of landslides or road blockages.

Reinforcing the administration’s commitment to public safety, Kashyap concluded the meeting by urging all departments to stay in a state of readiness and work collaboratively to mitigate risks during the monsoon season.