Kanyakumari collector reviews SW monsoon preparedness

Kanyakumari: Kanyakumari district collector R Alagumeeena has directed all departmental officers to be on standby for the southwest monsoon and keep adequate emergency resources.The collector held a review meeting with departmental officers on Thursday to discuss precautionary measures for the monsoon season.The collector told the officials to identify low-lying areas vulnerable to rain damage, keep relief centres ready with details including mobile numbers of their officers, and keep first-level rescue officers on standby to safely shelter the public. She said essential items, including mats and blankets, required for persons accommodated in temporary shelters must be ensured. Control rooms must be established at taluk offices to function 24 hours during the monsoon season, she added.She also instructed the water resources department engineers to maintain the water level of Pechiparai dam at 43 feet and Perunchani dam at 71 feet during the monsoon season. The collector said Tamil Nadu Electricity Board personnel must inspect high-tension and low-tension electrical connections, and replace damaged electric poles. Schools and colleges must be kept ready for establishing relief camps and medical aid centres. She said students coming to school by boat from the Thiruvattar taluk, Pechiparai area, must be advised against travelling by boat for three months and instead stay in the respective school hostels.She instructed forest department personnel to prohibit the public from visiting hill areas during the monsoon season. Tourism department personnel must take measures to prevent the public from gathering at tourist spots during periods when heavy rain and very heavy rain warnings are issued and on days of high sea turbulence.