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West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee convened a meeting on Saturday with state government officials to assess the state's readiness in response to increased rainfall forecasts and to discuss strategies for dengue control.
The meeting was attended by the state's chief secretary, the principal secretary to the chief minister, and secretaries from various concerned departments.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister addressed the rainfall alerts issued by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) for West Bengal, which are in effect until October 3 due to the movement of a well-marked low-pressure system from the Bay of Bengal.
She also conducted a review of the flood situation in West Bengal and the ongoing relief efforts.
As a result of the meeting, it was decided that individuals residing in low-lying and other affected areas would be relocated to safer locations. Furthermore, an adequate number of relief centers would be established across the state.
Efforts would be made to ensure the proper distribution of essential relief materials, including tarpaulins, to those affected.
In light of prevailing weather conditions, fishermen would be advised not to venture into the sea from September 30 to October 1.
The district administration and police authorities would make arrangements for an uninterrupted supply of electricity and telecommunications connectivity. Emergency lighting and public address systems would also be prepared.
Additionally, a 24x7 control room would be established at the state, district, and sub-divisional levels to monitor rainfall and implement preventive measures. All districts would be required to submit a 12-hour report to the Chief Minister's Office (CMO).
During the meeting, Banerjee instructed officials from municipalities, gram panchayats, and blocks to maintain surveillance for the next few weeks to combat dengue and other vector-borne diseases.
She also emphasized the importance of promptly clearing waterlogged areas in municipalities and panchayat regions. Furthermore, she stressed the need for proper treatment and testing of dengue samples in all hospitals.
