Nilgiris steps up northeast monsoon readiness with zonal teams and relief centres

The Nilgiris district administration has completed a review of its northeast monsoon preparedness, with Animal Husbandry Minister S. Kamali taking part in the assessment of arrangements across the district.

As part of the plan, 29 zonal teams have been formed to keep watch over 156 vulnerable locations spread across the district's six taluks. These spots are considered prone to landslips and other natural calamities during heavy rain. The teams will remain on duty around the clock, and six additional teams drawn from district-level officers have been assigned as monitoring officers for the taluks.

A total of 456 relief centres have been identified and kept ready to house people who may need to move out of their homes during emergencies. The arrangements draw on personnel from the revenue, police, fire and rescue services, highways, Tamil Nadu Electricity Board, public works, health and civil supplies departments, along with the district administration.

Preparedness efforts also include training for 3,500 frontline staff across the six taluks and 200 Aapthamitra volunteers. To reduce the risk of flooding and water-logging in major towns, watercourses in 7,246 drainage canals and bridges have been desilted.

Residents facing emergencies have been asked to reach the district administration on the toll-free number 1077, by telephone at 0423-2450034 or 0423-2450035, or through WhatsApp at 94887 00588.

After the review meeting, Ms. Kamali inspected the emergency control room at the Collectorate and a designated flood relief centre at Thalakundha.