With the Southwest Monsoon expected to set in early next month, the district machinery on Wednesday took stock of the monsoon preparedness with various government departments and agencies here.
District Collector L. Subramanian convened a meeting with officials of the Madurai Corporation and various departments such as Public Works Department, Police, Fire and Rescue Services, Fisheries and Health Department.
He instructed officials of all departments to be in a state of constant preparedness to deal with contingencies.
Mr. Subramanian told The Hindu that an action plan had been drawn up at the meeting to deal with monsoon woes.
“We have instructed the civic bodies to sensitise the public to the risk of water stagnation. Awareness programmes on prevention of dengue and right methods of drinking water storage will be conducted at all blocks and wards,” the Collector said.
The local bodies had been asked to desilt tanks and canals and strengthen weak points on the bunds well in advance. Proper chlorination would be done at regular intervals to ensure quality of potable water.
The Collector directed the Health Department to ensure that adequate stocks of medicines were kept in Primary Health Centres and Government Hospitals.
“The Health Department must carry out preventive operations to contain possible outbreak of contagious diseases. Persons requiring medical assistance should be shifted to the nearby hospital, and hence ambulances should be kept ready in good condition,” Mr. Subramanian said.
The PWD had been instructed to expedite pending drainage works to avoid stagnation or overflowing of sewage.
When contacted, B. Santhakumar, Dean, Government Rajaji Hospital, said the hospital was all set to tackle any emergency situation, and added that a 50-bedded emergency ward was being kept ready.
Meanwhile, S. Senthil Kumar, Deputy Director of Health Services, said Primary Health Centres were well-equipped with stocks of emergency medicines. “Steps will be taken to ensure proper supply of water to patients in coordination with the local bodies,” he said.
