Concerned government departments have started gearing up to combat nature’s imminent fury and their concern is understandable given the Aila disaster and the September 2011 earthquake. Block Development Officers of the first, second and third blocks under Kalimpong sub-division have already been instructed to take necessary precautionary measures. Since the beginning of this month, rapid action teams have been deployed at the block offices and they are present from 6am to 8pm every day. A helpline number, 03552-256353, has also been launched.
Drimit Tamlong, the disaster management cell officer of Kalimpong sub-division, informed the administration has set up rescue camps in various places under Block 1. Speaking to this correspondent, she said special focus is being given this year to Bhalukhop, a hamlet a few miles away from town. The area has been labeled the most vulnerable during the upcoming monsoon, added Tamlong.
The leprosy treatment centre at Bhalukhop was severely damaged in the earthquake of September 18, 2011 and the structure has cracked in several places, while the same has been noticed in several houses in the area. Further, the 10the and 11th Mile areas of town have also been marked as danger zones, informed the official.
The disaster control cell went into alert following circulars sent by Kalimpong Municipality including the BDOs and other officers. Gram Panchayat offices have also been instructed to help people in the event of a natural disaster.
Food supply department authorities have also started monitoring and replenishing their stocks to ward off any difficult period. Food and supply department officer Dhruba Baraily said the state government has not supplied any relief material to tide over natural disasters since the last 10 years. His department has taken the initiative and instructed 37 ration dealers under the jurisdiction of the three blocks of Kalimpong to keep aside 1 quintal of rice each month for emergency usage, added Baraily. (EOIC)