Dainik Nation News Portal
DAINIK NATION BUREAU/DEHRADUN
In a proactive step towards disaster preparedness ahead of the monsoon season, Secretary of Disaster Management and Rehabilitation, Vinod Kumar Suman, has issued strict directives to all dam projects operating across Uttarakhand to ensure timely communication and coordination regarding water discharge. The move aims to enhance public safety and improve early warning mechanisms during potential flood situations.
During a high-level meeting held at the Secretariat on Friday, Secretary Suman directed all hydropower and irrigation projects to mandatorily inform the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) and respective district administrations before releasing water from reservoirs. The projects have been asked to specify the estimated time the water will take to reach downstream areas and the potential impact, enabling authorities to alert the public in advance.
The meeting was attended by representatives from major agencies including the Irrigation Department, UJVNL, Central Water Commission, Tehri Hydro Development Corporation, NHPC, NTPC, GVK, JP Group, and the Meteorological Centre Dehradun. Secretary Suman emphasized the real-time sharing of river water level and discharge data through APIs from the early warning sensors to the State Emergency Operations Center for effective monitoring.
All agencies were instructed to prepare and publish their Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) on their respective websites and share them with Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority (USDMA). To evaluate on-ground preparedness, a state-level mock drill involving all dam projects will be conducted between August and September 2025.
Further, the Irrigation Department has been directed to draft a comprehensive Flood Management Action Plan, incorporating SOPs from the Government of India and state directives. Departments and agencies have also been told to appoint dedicated nodal officers to ensure seamless coordination and information exchange during emergencies.
The Secretary underscored the importance of keeping all technical systems functional and sharing information without delay, as timely action can significantly mitigate disaster risks. Senior officials including Additional Chief Executive Officers Mr. Anand Swaroop and DIG Mr. Rajkumar Negi, Joint CEOs, and experts from USDMA also participated in the session.
