As part of pre-monsoon preparedness measures, the Wayanad district administration has initiated steps to urgently identify and prepare a list of vulnerable areas within the limits of local self-government institutions in the district.

Directions in this regard were issued at a review meeting chaired by Sub-Collector Atul Sagar. Officials concerned were instructed to identify dangerous drainage points within local body limits and take measures to avert potential hazards ahead of the monsoon season.

The meeting directed local self-government institutions to convene grama sabhas immediately in connection with monsoon preparedness activities. Officials were also asked to collect details of people living in plantation areas and ensure uninterrupted road connectivity and electricity supply in such regions during the rainy season.

The fitness of estate workers’ quarters should also be ensured, the meeting said. Buildings required for setting up emergency camps near workers’ quarters should be identified without delay and equipped with necessary facilities.

Tahsildars informed the meeting that inspections of buildings identified for relief camps within taluk limits were under way as part of preparedness measures. Steps are also being taken through Tree Committees to urgently cut and remove dangerous tree branches and trees posing risks.

Officials from the Local Self-Government department said local body secretaries had been directed to appoint nodal officers in all local self-government institutions to coordinate monsoon-related activities.

Health department officials informed that adequate stocks of medicines and anti-venom for snakebite treatment had been maintained in the district. Officials from the Education and Transport departments said that fitness inspections of school buildings and school buses were progressing.

The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) informed the meeting that sub-divisional meetings related to monsoon preparedness were being conducted and vigilance committee meetings were being held in coordination with local self-government institutions.

Meanwhile, District Collector and District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) chairperson D.R. Meghasree has granted permission to raise the shutters of the Karapuzha dam in the district as part of monsoon preparedness measures after the water level reached 757.10 MSL. The shutters have been permitted to remain open daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.