TN govt asks Collectors to ready measures against rain damages

Chennai, Oct 21 (UNI) The Tamil Nadu government today instructed District Collectors to initiate contingency measures to meet any untoward incident as the North East monsoon has been active over the state since October 15.

Chief Secretary K S Sripathi issued the instructions after a meeting with Secretaries to the government and heads of departments to take stock of the preparedness of all the departments concerned.

The Chief Secretary noted that the control room in the state Relief Commissioner's office and in all the Collectorates have been activated by posting suitable staff round the clock, an official release here said.

Mr Sripathi also instructed the Health Department and Veterinary Services Department to take all necessary steps and ensure that adequate quantity of medicines were stocked and check for any outbreak of vector-borne and other diseases.

While the police and the fire and rescue services departmnet have been instructed to keep rescue teams and necessary equipments for evacuation in sufficient numbers, in times of need, the Fisheries Department has been asked to coordinate with the Coast Guard, Navy and the District Collectors to ensure the safety of the fishermen.

The highways and Public Works Department as well as the local bodies have been instructed to restore roads, culverts, river and tank bunds immediately, in case of damage or breaches, the release said.

Chennai Corporation Commissioner has also been advised to check the storm water drains and keep in readiness, adequate manpower to meet any eventuality.

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