Nagpur: Amid forecasts of the El Niño effect impacting the upcoming southwest monsoon season, Nagpur Divisional Commissioner Vijaya Lakshmi Bidari has instructed all district administrations in the division to remain fully prepared for emergencies arising from heavy rainfall, floods, and other natural disasters.
Speaking during a review meeting on pre-monsoon preparedness held at the Divisional Commissioner’s Office in Nagpur, Commissioner Bidari said that although rainfall across the division is expected to remain below 92% of the seasonal average due to El Niño conditions, isolated incidents of extreme rainfall and flooding could still cause loss of life and property if preventive measures are not taken in time.
The meeting was attended physically and virtually by district collectors, chief executive officers of Zilla Parishads, and senior officials from departments including Water Resources, Rural Development, Agriculture, and Health.
Among those present were Municipal Commissioner Dr. Vipin Itankar, District Collector Kumar Ashirwad, Zilla Parishad CEO Vinayak Mahamuni, Rehabilitation Commissioner Vijaya Bankar, Meteorological Department scientist Balasubramaniam, Colonel Ravikant from the Gujarat and Maharashtra Area Headquarters, senior officials from the NDRF and SDRF, and Divisional Joint Director of Agriculture Umesh Ghadge.
Monsoon Expected Between June 10 and 15
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the southwest monsoon is likely to arrive in the Nagpur division between June 10 and June 15. The districts of Gadchiroli and Gondia are expected to record the highest rainfall in the Vidarbha region this season.
Officials noted that while some areas may witness heavy rainfall, others could experience prolonged dry spells. Commissioner Bidari directed authorities to ensure that all disaster management equipment, including rescue boats and emergency supplies available with natural disaster response units, remain ready for immediate deployment.
Flood-Prone River Basins Identified
The Wainganga, Kanhan, and Pench river basins have been identified as highly flood-sensitive regions. Authorities were informed that water released from the Chorai Project can take more than 39 hours to reach downstream projects on the Wainganga River, making early warning systems crucial for residents living near riverbanks.
Commissioner Bidari instructed district administrations to appoint dedicated nodal officers for coordination related to interstate water projects and flood management.
24x7 Control Rooms and Disaster Alert Chatbots
To improve emergency communication during monsoon-related disasters, all district administrations have been instructed to keep disaster control rooms operational round-the-clock.
In a significant digital initiative, chatbot services have also been launched in the division to provide citizens with alerts and information related to heavy rainfall, floods, and disaster management. District administrations were directed to implement chatbot systems under their disaster response framework.
Focus on Vulnerable Villages and Health Preparedness
The administration has been asked to identify flood-prone and vulnerable villages based on records from the last three years, especially areas where evacuation was previously required during heavy rains and floods.
Special attention is being given to women’s health and pregnant women in vulnerable regions to ensure immediate medical support during emergencies. Authorities have also been instructed to stock sufficient medicines, food grains, anti-snake venom, and deploy trained snake rescue teams in sensitive villages.
Water Storage at 43% in Nagpur Division
Officials informed the meeting that irrigation projects across the Nagpur division currently hold an average water storage of 43%. While water availability is considered sufficient for drinking purposes, industrial use, and the Kharif agricultural season until August 31, authorities were directed to ensure proper water management, especially in regions likely to face rainfall shortages.
Warning Boards Ordered at Dangerous Spots
Commissioner Bidari also directed officials to identify dangerous locations near irrigation projects and rivers where accidents frequently occur. Information and warning boards are to be installed at such spots, along with additional safety measures to prevent casualties during the monsoon season.
The Central Water Commission will operate a dedicated flood monitoring control room from June 1 to October 31 to provide daily flood bulletins and danger-level reports to district administrations, police departments, and other concerned authorities.
Nagpur Municipal Corporation Begins Drainage and Flood Preparedness Work
Nagpur Municipal Commissioner Vipin Itankar informed the meeting that inspections of the Nag River, Pili River, Kora River, and 227 drainage channels across Nagpur city have already been completed. Desilting operations have been prioritised to ensure smooth flow of rainwater and prevent urban flooding.
He added that drones will be deployed in low-lying areas during periods of intense rainfall to monitor flood situations and assist emergency response teams.
District collectors, Zilla Parishad chief executives, officials from the Water Resources Department, Health Department, and District Disaster Management Cells also presented reports on pre-monsoon preparedness measures during the meeting.
