The meeting conducted with line departments sought to ascertain the department-wise preparedness to face the monsoon and assess the vulnerabilities of the district.
Each department was asked to draw up an emergency response protocol to handle monsoon-related emergencies, including damage to infrastructure. The departments of revenue, local bodies, and public works were asked to coordinate and work with each other.
The Collector also directed officials to inspect schools and relief camps to ensure the strength of the buildings, and the availability of drinking water and sanitation facilities to accommodate people during heavy rains. Vigil should also be stepped up around waterbodies and low-lying areas prone to flooding, he said.
He also directed departments to immediately remove blockages in major canals, water channels and stormwater drains across the district, and complete desilting works at the earliest. The 24-hour control room at the Collectorate should remain operational to receive public complaints. Sufficient stock of medicines should be kept ready at primary health centres and government hospitals, he said.
Officials were further directed to ensure the availability of essential machinery, such as earthmovers, tree-cutting equipment, vehicles, diesel generators, sandbags, motor pumps, and inflatable boats for rescue and relief operations.
Cuddalore Superintendent of Police Vivekananda Shukla was present.