Over 40 distress calls received at disaster response cell in 15 days

More than 40 phone calls by local residents have been received at Dehradun disaster response cell (DRC) in the last 15 days. District Disaster Management Officer Deepshikha Rawat said this while talking to The Pioneer on Tuesday. 

Rawat said that in order to provide immediate relief to the aggrieved persons during natural disasters, the seven-desk system has been functioning in Dehradun to handle operations, health, infrastructure, logistics, communication, resource and service with department heads as nodal officers. The disaster response team (DRT) officials were informed by DRC officials about complaints received on the phone.

DRC official Govind said that the roads which were blocked due to consistent rain in Vikasnagar and mountainous areas of Chakrata and Kalsi in the last few days were cleared by the DRT officials.

Recently DRT team officials were informed about rising water level at Dakpathar Barrage by the local residents. High alert was issued and those at risk were rehabilitated to safer places.

Sunita, resident of Vikasnagar informed the cell that her house was severely damaged due to incessant rain. Vasant Vihar residents informed that water logging was common in the area which might spread diseases. Soon after receiving such information Municipal Corporation officials were informed.

Complaints like water logging problems, road blocks, building damage are received in the cell and the information is disseminated to the officials concerned immediately. All the information received at DRC are disseminated to officers at each level.

He further said that Rishikesh Police Fire Station has been given equipment like diamond chain saw, circular saw, hydraulic rescue cutter with hydraulic power pump, hydraulic rescue spreader with hydraulic power pump which will be used to facilitate immediate rescue during natural disaster. “We provide 24 hour service and people or the department officials can directly report to the DRC by dialing 0135-2726066 or toll free number 1077,” he added.

Dehradun DM Ravinath Raman said that recently he had chaired review meeting with DRT officials and directed them to take appropriate steps for ensuring road repair, filling up of breaches and potholes, temporary repair of bridges or embankments of bridges, repair of damaged canal structures, removal of debris from drainage or sewerage lines, repair of water supply lines and street lights. `25 lakh has been released under the State disaster response fund to provide immediate relief during natural calamities after receiving verification letters from the members concerned.

According to DRC officials, Chandau Supau motor road between the 6 and 8 km milestones, Gaura Valley Manthat motor road from from 3 to 8 km milestones, Bharawala Judon motor road between 9 and 15 km milestones were blocked on Tuesday with efforts on to clear these roads. The water level of Yamuna River at Dakpathar Barrage is 454.76 metre while the water level of Ganga River at Rishikesh is 292.30 metres.