Arunachal: Plan proper to evade disasters

Itanagar, Oct 3: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu has stressed the need to go for proper planning and training to reduce the magnitude of damage during natural calamities.

''We need to come up with proper planning on the preventive measures for lessening the damage during natural calamities,'' he said after taking stock of the flood-ravaged areas of Bomdila, the district headquarters of West Kameng district, on Wednesday, official sources here today said.

Torrential rain on June 26 had created havoc in West Kameng and Tawang districts which left both the districts cut off from the rest of the world for almost a fortnight.

''We cannot blame Nature for its fury, it is the people who damage the environment and ecological balance without caring about the consequences,'' Mr Khandu pointed out.

While sympathising on the loss of property and livestock in the devastating flood, Mr Khandu assured to provide relief and urged the Deputy Commissioner and local MLAs of the district to identify the victims according to the magnitude of their losses.

He also urged them to expedite the restoration work of the sinked roads and directed the engineers to conduct survey for alternate routes if restoration was not possible.

Stressing on proper drainage system the lack of which, he felt, was the major factor behind the massive destruction, the Chief Minister also suggested for planting trees around houses, which would minimise landslides during monsoons.

Responding to a memorandum, submitted by local MLA R T Khunjuju demanding funds for flood relief, constructing a multi-storied circuit house at Bomdila, proper drainage system, enhancement of PDS quota for the district and posting of administrative officers, the Chief Minister assured to look into the matter, the sources added.

UNI