New Delhi, May 24 (UNI) The National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) met on Friday under the Chairmanship of Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba to review preparedness for the impending cyclone in the Bay of Bengal.
Reviewing the preparedness measures of the Central agencies and West Bengal Government, the Cabinet Secretary stressed that all necessary preventive and precautionary measures may be taken by the State Government and Central Agencies, an official statement said here.
The aim should be to keep loss of lives to zero and minimise damage to property and infrastructure such as power and telecom, and in case of damage, the essential services should be restored in the shortest possible time, he said.
Gauba said that it must be ensured that the fishermen at sea are called back and people from vulnerable areas are evacuated well in time.
He asked the Government of West Bengal to review the placement of large hoardings in the areas likely to be affected by the cyclonic storm.
The Cabinet Secretary assured the Government of West Bengal that all Central agencies are on full alert and will be available for assistance.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed 12 teams and 5 additional teams are kept on standby.
Rescue and relief teams of the Army, Navy and Coast Guard along with ships and aircrafts have been kept in readiness.
Regular alerts and advisories are being sent by DG, Shipping to the ports of Kolkata and Paradip. Emergency teams have been deployed by Ministry of Power for immediate power restoration.
Earlier, the Director General, India Meteorological Department (IMD), briefed the Committee about the current status of the depression over central Bay of Bengal.
The Chief Secretary of West Bengal also apprised the Committee of the preparatory measures being taken to protect the population in the expected path of the cyclonic storm and measures being taken by the local administration.
The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary of West Bengal, Union Home Secretary, Secretaries in various Ministries, Director General India Meteorological Department, Director General Coast Guard among others.
UNI RBE CS2008