Home ministry asks states to be vigilant about flood

New Delhi, June 6 (UNI) With the onset of South-West monsoon, the Union Home Ministry today asked the upper riparian states to provide immediate information about any structure which may cause floods in lower riparian states.

States have also been asked to set up clear communication lines so that there is no communication gap during floods.

The preparedness of States and Union territories and of the ministries concerned for any exingency of flood was thoroughly reviewed at a two-day Conference of Relief Commissioners of States and Union Territories.

Home ministry sources said here that presentations were made by the Ministy of Defence on the equipment and infrastrucutre in various states, the Ministry of Agriculture on drought management and the Ministry of health on diseases which may occur during floods.

While the India Meteorological Department made a presentation on behaviour of the south-west monsoon, the Central Water Commission apprised the meeting on floods and the Geological Survey of India on landslides and avalanches.

Relief Commissioners/Secretaries of Disaster management Departments of the States and Union Territories and also senior officers from various Central Ministries/Departments/Organisations rendering Emergency Support Functions in the wake of natural calamities participated in the Conference. Representatives from the Natural Disaster Management Authority were also present.

UNI SH MA BST2100