Ahead of monsoon, collector pushes for disaster readiness

Nagpur: Collector Kumar Ashirwad has directed all departments to remain on high alert and strengthen disaster preparedness mechanisms ahead of monsoon season.Chairing a pre-monsoon review meeting, Ashirwad said authorities must stay vigilant and ensure coordinated action during the rainy season. A comprehensive review was undertaken on dam conditions, lightning-related fatalities, flood preparedness, health infrastructure readiness, and district-wide disaster management arrangements.Ashirwad instructed officials to disseminate weather alerts issued by the meteorological department on heavy rainfall and lightning well in advance so citizens can take precautionary measures. He directed authorities to use platforms including All India Radio (Akashvani), social media and local communication channels to ensure forecasts reach the public, particularly farmers, at the earliest.The meeting also reviewed the district's volunteer-based disaster response network. Officials were asked to strengthen coordination between nearly 500 active ‘Aapada Mitra' volunteers and agencies such as SDRF, NDRF, police, Home Guards and local administrative bodies to ensure faster emergency response.Authorities were further urged to promote wider use of the Nagpur Samvadsetu chatbot to curb misinformation and improve public communication during disasters.Among those present were Zilla Parishad CEO Vinayak Mahamuni, Additional SP Anil Mhaske, Additional District Collector Pravin Mahire, Resident Deputy Collector Anup Khande and District Disaster Management Officer Ankush Gawande.