Udupi: Health and family welfare minister UT Khader Saturday directed all govt departments to coordinate closely to tackle monsoon-related emergencies and ensure prompt relief for people affected by floods and other natural calamities.Chairing a review meeting on rain-related damage and drinking water issues at Rajathadri, Khader asked village accountants and panchayat development officers (PDOs) to immediately visit affected families, provide emotional support and ensure relief is disbursed without delay. He stressed that people should never feel abandoned by the administration during times of crisis.The minister asked officials to ensure that govt welfare schemes reach all eligible beneficiaries and urged grassroots officials to report local issues to higher authorities and elected representatives for timely resolution.Expressing concern over school safety, Khader directed the education department not to conduct classes in buildings with leaking roofs or unsafe structures until repairs are completed. He also reviewed the distribution of textbooks and uniforms and asked officials to clear all pending supplies immediately.Highlighting public health concerns during the monsoon, he directed the health department to step up preparedness against communicable diseases and intensify awareness campaigns. Local bodies were asked to eliminate mosquito breeding sites, carry out fogging in areas reporting dengue, malaria and chikungunya cases, and strengthen stray dog control and animal birth control programmes. If mosquito breeding sites are found in commercial buildings, the licenses must be cancelled, he said.Khader also directed officials to ensure an adequate supply of seeds and fertilisers and encourage farmers to enrol in crop insurance schemes. Departments including forest, Mescom, rural development, urban local bodies, police, fire & emergency services, and home guards were told to maintain close coordination and remain prepared for rescue operations throughout the monsoon.He further directed the public works department to repair rain-damaged roads and clear roadside drains without delay, warning that negligence could lead to accidents. Reviewing law and order, he asked the police to intensify efforts to curb thefts, burglaries, drug-related offences and other crimes.Senior district officials, MLAs and other public representatives attended the meeting.
