The Kohima District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) had a meeting on monsoon preparedness at DPDB's Conference Hall on 16th July 2020 chaired by Deputy Commissioner & Chairman of DDMA, Kohima Gregory Thejawelie NCS.

Reviewing the last meeting minutes, DC said that the monsoon season has set in where maximum problems related to Disaster occurs, he therefore called upon all the line departments to be prepared as to cater the unfortunate problems that may occur.

On issues highlighted by the National Highways in the last meeting pertaining to widening of National Highways, DC informed that NHIDCL has engaged some Firms for repair and restoration of works.

In regard to Forest sector, several request for cutting down of trees have been received which are posing danger to property and lives, where DC informed that the department issues permission however the clearance activities does not falls under the preview of the SDRF as per the guidelines issued by the NSDMA. He therefore said that this area has to be sorted out for clearance activities.

On setting up of Village Disaster Management Authority (VDMA), DC informed that more than 90 recognised villages are under Kohima district whereas only 10 villages have formed as per the last meeting minutes, he therefore sought more efforts in this matter through the initiative of the area administrative officers. 

EE, Power, Er. Rokongutuo Suohu in his brief presentation of situation report stated that installation of power infrastructures near Dzüdza river is facing challenges due to land instability in the vicinity. For the institutional Quarantine Centres for COVID-19, he said there was an urgent need for power back up supply (diesel generator) to provide uninterrupted supply of electricity and for which his office has already projected the requirement to the Department core committee for further necessary action. Power department has clarified on available of provisions for ex-gratia for its personnel/staffs in the event of any catastrophic death caused by electricity.

EE, PHE Er. Subongyanger shared some damages of water supply pipelines and water reservoir at Thekrejuna village. In this regard, Chairman had clarified that DDMA had already offered financial assistance to the affected community for immediate restoration of water supplies.

EAC Kezocha, Vineikho in a brief status report of monsoon damage had said major landslide had occurred in two locations between Viswema village and Kidima village and requested the concerned authority to respond to the situation on urgency basis. On the discussion for formation of Ward disaster Management Authority (WDMA) for municipal towns/wards, he requested the DDMA to form WDMA even for unrecognised towns under Kezocha administrative circle as a necessity for preparedness for any disasters.

Senior Technical Director and DIO, NIC  Kohima, J. G. Lorin Rengma suggested for a verification committee be set up to oversee/follow up the progress and completion of civil works being sanction under disaster management fund. On that regard, ADC & CEO DDMA had responded that a district level monitoring committee is to be set up soon to address and cater to such requirements to avoid any lapses. 

In regard to updation of Indian Disaster Resource Network (IDRN), which needs to be updated annually, NIC is requested to write a letter to all line departments enclosed with the prescribed formats for submission and updation of departmental data, machineries, resources and man power. DC also reiterated on the urgency to provide accurate information on the available resources of all line departments in prescribed format and submit it at the earliest, which will be utilised in times of emergency crisis.

CVO, Veterinary Kohima, Dr. Joseph M. Angami clarified that Veterinary department had no such provisions for compensation or relief assistance for loss or death of animal husbandry under the State Disaster Response Fund, SDRF cases.

NPTO, Kohima informed that there is a FIR act which can be availed by the people for catering to any emergency needs and requirement. The DSP, Kohima said, the department apart from providing communication systems, the department has also introduced a toll free no.112 for any first emergency response action.

The house has also decided to include departments such as PHE, SDRF, NIC & IPR (DPRO) in the next updation of the District Disaster Management Plan (DDMP).

As a follow up action plan for Monsoon preparedness, DPA Kohima, Victor Yhome was entrusted to coordinate with line departments and conduct a spot verification drive and oversee all water drainages and outlets especially in the municipal areas and premises of the government offices. After which, a concrete activity plan would be mapped to mitigate any possible monsoon damages

(DPRO, Kohima)