GUWAHATI: The Sadiya Co-District Administration on Thursday, May 14, conducted an extensive review meeting to assess flood preparedness and strengthen emergency response mechanisms across vulnerable areas ahead of the upcoming monsoon season.
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The meeting was chaired by the Co-District Commissioner (CDC), Sadiya, and attended by departmental heads, officials from the Sadiya Police Administration, line departments, Assistant Commissioners, Circle Officers of Sadiya and Doomdooma, along with other stakeholders.
Given the region’s recurring flood and erosion threats, the Sadiya Revenue Circle has been divided into three flood zones and 11 sectors, with each sector placed under a designated officer-in-charge to ensure immediate response during emergencies.
Officials informed that 55 flood-prone villages under the Sadiya Revenue Circle have been identified for continuous monitoring. A real-time flood monitoring system has also been established to facilitate timely mitigation measures during the flood season.
The review focused on several critical aspects, including daily water-level monitoring by the Water Resources Department, DRIMS reporting, regular field inspections, weather updates, and the preparedness of SDRF teams. Discussions were also held on the availability of mechanised boats, life jackets, lifebuoys, and other rescue equipment. Flood situations experienced during the previous year were also analysed to improve preparedness strategies.
To streamline response efforts, the administration has constituted departmental teams for flood-related operations such as search and rescue, first aid, shelter management, relief distribution, damage assessment, carcass disposal, and rehabilitation activities.
Officials stated that all pre-monsoon preparedness activities have already been completed, including mapping of vulnerable villages, appointment of nodal officers, and coordination meetings with Gaon Pradhans. Additionally, 24 relief camps have been pre-identified under the Sadiya Revenue Circle.
The CDC directed officials to conduct a fresh assessment of livestock based on the latest livestock census and review the availability of cattle feed in flood-prone areas.
Under the Doomdooma Revenue Circle, which also falls under the Sadiya Co-District, two flood zones and six sectors have been identified. Flood Zone A includes the flood-affected villages of Sadiya South Bank and Saikhowa Mouja, while Flood Zone B covers Sunmani Gaon. Authorities have identified 32 vulnerable villages and earmarked 21 relief camps in the area.
Circle-level task forces and Flood Control Rooms have also been established to ensure better coordination during emergencies. Stressing the need to safeguard livestock, the CDC instructed officials to identify raised platforms for animals during floods.
The administration further directed that all ongoing embankment projects in vulnerable locations be expedited. Embankment monitoring committees have been instructed to conduct regular inspections and undertake preventive measures wherever necessary.
Special emphasis was also laid on monitoring rising river water levels and ensuring timely completion of erosion protection works.
During the meeting, officials were instructed to inspect electric poles and transformers in flood-prone areas and ensure all safety measures are in place before the monsoon intensifies.
The CDC also directed authorities to sensitise the in-charges of educational institutions identified as emergency shelters. It was reiterated that “Child Friendly Spaces” must be established at all designated centres, with Block Elementary Education Officers (BEOs) tasked with briefing concerned officials.
The Public Works Roads Department (PWRD) and National Highway authorities were asked to assess all ongoing road projects and ensure contractors in vulnerable areas remain prepared for rapid restoration work in case of flood damage.
Meanwhile, the Soil Conservation and Irrigation Departments were directed to carry out pre-assessments of ongoing projects and take preventive measures wherever required. The Fisheries and Sericulture Departments were also instructed to review preparedness and assess sector-specific requirements.
The administration further stressed the need to ensure the safety and welfare of pregnant and lactating mothers during flood emergencies. Officials from the Social Welfare and Health Departments were asked to work in close coordination on the issue.
The Additional Superintendent of Police highlighted the importance of timely communication during emergencies to facilitate advance deployment and manpower planning.
Concluding the meeting, the CDC stated that future review meetings would be conducted virtually in line with directives from the Central and State Governments to ensure seamless coordination among all departments throughout the monsoon season.
