The State government official machinery is fully geared up to face the challenges of the northeast monsoon in mitigating the impact of any natural disaster across the State, Minister for Revenue R.B. Udhayakumar said here on Thursday.
Talking to reporters, Mr. Udhayakumar said various government departments had been deliberating on the precautionary measures to be taken to face possible floods.
Besides, a concrete plan had been put in place for search and rescue and rehabilitation of the victims.
“The government has identified 4,399 vulnerable places for flooding as against 4,192 places identified in 2016. Among them, 578 have been identified as highly vulnerable. Each of the 4,399 vulnerable spots would have one first responder’s team to rescue and rehabilitate them in safe places like schools, colleges, marriage halls,” he added.
Special focus had been given to desilt 22,538 waterbodies and 12,070 km of riverbeds, and clearing encroachment at 7,030 spots along channels. Similarly, the blockages in 9,627 bridges and 1,37,826 culverts had been removed, he said.
“These blockages pose a threat during floods by allowing water to quickly rise, marooning low-lying areas,” Mr. Udhayakumar said.
The Public Works Department had been instructed to follow standard operating procedures by alerting airports, railway and highways officials before letting flood water from dams.All the civic bodies and related departments had been asked to complete road cutting and road restoration works before October 15, he said.
According to the Minister, 4,388.33 tonnes of silt and water hyacinth have been removed from various canals in Chennai.
Similarly, another 5,453.95 tonnes of silt had been removed from narrow canals to ensure free flow of rainwater. All the 22 subways and 458 low-lying areas in the city would have high-power motor pumps to remove rainwater, he added.
