Shah leads high-level meeting to assess flood management preparedness, emphasizes the urgency for robust measures
Union Home Minister Amit Shah presided over a crucial meeting in New Delhi to evaluate the overall readiness for flood management ahead of the upcoming monsoon season. In a statement released by the Home Ministry, Shah urged officials from his ministry and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to develop a comprehensive software solution by March 2024. This software would facilitate the immediate dissemination of scientific data to all early warning agencies, enhancing the efficiency of disaster management agencies.
During the meeting, Shah emphasized the importance of expanding the rain and flood forecast duration from five days to seven days, a recommendation he made to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Central Water Commission (CWC). This extension would enable better flood management strategies and help mitigate the potential impact of floods.
“The Home Minister chaired a high-level meeting in New Delhi to review overall preparedness for flood management in the context of the upcoming monsoon. He also evaluated the long-term measures required to formulate a comprehensive and all-encompassing policy aimed at mitigating the perennial flood problems faced by the country,” the statement explained. Furthermore, Shah urged the involvement of foreign expert agencies in the development of the comprehensive software.
The Home Minister stressed that the government is committed to minimizing loss of lives and livelihoods during disasters. He underscored the importance of continual technological advancements by specialized institutions such as the IMD and CWC to enhance the accuracy of weather and flood forecasts.
Attending the meeting were secretaries from various ministries and departments including Home Affairs, Water Resources, River Development and River Rejuvenation, Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Road Transport and Highways, as well as representatives from the NDMA, National Disaster Response Force, CWC, National Highways Authority of India, IMD, and Railway Board.
In summary, Amit Shah’s meeting underscored the significance of proactive flood management preparations and the development of advanced technological solutions to ensure timely and effective responses to potential flood situations. By prioritizing comprehensive flood management policies and extending the forecast duration, the government aims to mitigate the impact of floods and safeguard the lives and livelihoods of the affected communities.
During a high-level meeting in New Delhi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah took charge of assessing the preparedness for flood management in anticipation of the upcoming monsoon season. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Shah stressed the need for robust measures to effectively tackle potential flood scenarios.
In a statement issued by the Home Ministry, Shah directed officials from the ministry and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to develop a comprehensive software solution by March 2024. This software would play a crucial role in providing immediate access to scientific data for all early warning agencies, ensuring the swift dissemination of information to disaster management agencies. Shah emphasized the importance of utilizing the expertise of foreign agencies in the development of this software, further enhancing its effectiveness.
One of the key aspects discussed during the meeting was the expansion of the rain and flood forecast duration. Currently, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Central Water Commission (CWC) provide a five-day forecast. However, Shah recommended extending this forecast to seven days by the next monsoon season. This extension would enable better planning and preparedness for flood management, allowing authorities to take timely actions and mitigate the impact of potential floods.
“The Home Minister chaired a high-level meeting in New Delhi to review overall preparedness for flood management in the context of the upcoming monsoon. He also evaluated the long-term measures required to formulate a comprehensive and all-encompassing policy aimed at mitigating the perennial flood problems faced by the country,” the statement read.
Shah also highlighted the government’s commitment to minimizing the loss of lives and livelihoods during disasters. He urged specialized institutions like the IMD and CWC to continuously upgrade their technologies for more accurate weather and flood forecasts. By leveraging advanced technologies and expertise, authorities can make informed decisions and implement effective strategies to protect vulnerable communities.
The meeting witnessed the participation of key stakeholders, including secretaries from various ministries and departments such as Home Affairs, Water Resources, River Development and River Rejuvenation, Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Road Transport and Highways. Additionally, representatives from the NDMA, National Disaster Response Force, CWC, National Highways Authority of India, IMD, and Railway Board were also present.
In conclusion, Amit Shah’s leadership in reviewing flood management preparedness demonstrates the government’s commitment to proactively addressing potential flood situations. By prioritizing the development of a comprehensive software solution and extending the forecast duration, the authorities aim to enhance early warning systems, facilitate effective response mechanisms, and ultimately safeguard lives and livelihoods during the monsoon season.
During a high-level meeting held in New Delhi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah exhibited his proactive approach by overseeing the preparedness for flood management in anticipation of the upcoming monsoon season. With a clear focus on addressing potential flood-related challenges, Shah emphasized the need for comprehensive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of the population.