Meeting reviews monsoon preparedness in Alappuzha

The pre-monsoon drive is making progress in Alappuzha.

Speaking at a meeting to review the progress of the drive recently, Agriculture Minister P. Prasad asked tahsildars to directly assess preparations at buildings that could be used as relief camps. He directed Irrigation and Local Self-Government department officials to initiate steps to lay geobags and sandbags in coastal areas prone to sea erosion. The Minister instructed Tourism department officials to ensure the presence of lifeguards on beaches in the district.

Mr. Prasad further directed the Irrigation department to remove silt accumulated at Thottappally pozhi and remove waste accumulated under bridges to ensure the smooth flow of water. He asked the Education department to ensure that school buildings in the district are safe and have fitness certificates by May 15. Education department officials informed the meeting that steps had been taken to cut down trees posing a threat to students on school premises.

Kerala State Electricity Board officials said that the cutting of trees and branches posing a risk to power lines has entered the final phase. Paddy polder committees have been asked to strengthen the outer bunds of paddy fields.

Suchitwa Mission officials informed that steps had been taken to make 100 bio-toilets available before the commencement of the monsoon season. For sea rescue operations in the district, the Fisheries department will station one boat each at Kayamkulam and Thoppumpady harbours.

P.P. Chitharanjan, H. Salam, Thomas K. Thomas, M.S. Arunkumar and Daleema Jojo, MLAs, District Collector Alex Varghese and other officials attended the meeting.