Nilgiris on high alert as monsoon arrives

Ooty: As the Southwest monsoon mode has begun to set in the Nilgiris after the busy summer season, the district administration which is geared up to meet any exigencies during this period, held a meeting of officials  to discuss measures to be taken to tackle issues related to the SW monsoon season between June and August. It is known for bringing copious rainfall to the hills and sometimes wrecking damage to the slopes.

Ms. J. Innocent Divya, collector of Nilgiris, said that 233 spots across the district have been identified as vulnerable spots prone to rain related damage and landslips. In order to keep in place an effective disaster management mechanism, 13 zonal teams, search, rescue and evacuation committee and relief and relief centre management committees have been formed, she added.

“Flood control rooms in all taluk headquarters in the district as well as in the collectorate have been opened which will function round the clock to monitor the weather profile, flood situation and respond to calls from the public during the time of heavy rains.  All departments, agencies and those who deal with disaster management have been instructed to be in a state of constant alert,” she said and added that 465 places, including schools and community halls, have been identified in the hills to act as flood shelters for safe stay of people in case of heavy rains.