Take Up Flood Management Through Task Forces: Revenue Minister to Officials

CHAIRING a progress review meeting of the Revenue Department at Suvarna Vidhana Soudha in Belagavi on Monday, Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda emphasized that task forces established at Gram Panchayat levels must operate responsibly to effectively manage the possible flood situations during this monsoon.

- EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE @ Belagavi

With rainfall exceeding normal levels and rivers witnessing heavy inflow, the Minister directed officials to take preventive action by relocating residents and livestock from flood-prone areas to safer zones. If needed, the assistance of police personnel should be sought, he said. Byre Gowda stressed that disaster management should be proactive rather than reactive. He warned officials against waiting to provide relief after damage and instead asked them to prevent disasters by informing and mobilizing communities in advance. He insisted that all PDOs and local staff actively participate in this effort.

The Minister instructed strict monitoring to avoid classes being held in dilapidated school and Anganwadi buildings and advised officials to persuade residents of unsafe houses to relocate. Village accountants and revenue inspectors must identify and restrict use of such buildings and control public movement near rivers and streams. Proper maintenance and availability of boats for emergency evacuation should be ensured.