WITH the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting thunderstorms, lightning and isolated extremely heavy rainfall over the next 48 to 72 hours, the administrations of Bilaspur and Mungeli districts have intensified emergency preparedness to tackle possible flooding, waterlogging and outbreaks of seasonal and waterborne diseases. In Bilaspur, the Health Department has gone on high alert after heavy rainfall caused widespread waterlogging and disrupted normal life in several areas. Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) Dr Shubha Garewal reviewed preparedness at a high-level video conference with Block Medical Officers, Health Officers and members of Combat Teams, directing all field staff to remain on maximum alert and ensure uninterrupted medical services in vulnerable areas. Dr Garewal said the district has adequate stocks of essential medicines and informed that 45 Combat Teams have been constituted at the district and block levels for rapid response to any health emergency. In-charges of all Primary Health Centres (PHCs) have been instructed to keep their mobile phones switched on round the clock and remain ready for immediate deployment. Continuous surveillance has been ordered in waterlogged areas under the Bilaspur Municipal Corporation (BMC), where Health Department teams will provide medical assistance and medicines wherever required. Officials have also been directed to chlorinate drinking water sources and apply bleaching powder to prevent contamination. To minimise the risk of disease outbreaks, the department will launch an extensive public awareness campaign on hygiene and monsoon-related precautions. Residents have been advised not to consume spoiled vegetables, fruits, meat or fish, while enforcement teams have been instructed to seize and destroy contaminated food items found on sale. Shopkeepers have been directed to keep food items properly covered to prevent contamination.

 

The Health Department has appealed to people to consume safe drinking water, maintain food hygiene and seek immediate medical attention if they develop symptoms such as fever, vomiting or diarrhoea. Field staff have also been instructed to maintain round-the-clock vigilance and immediately report any emergency to designated nodal officers. Meanwhile, in neighbouring Mungeli district, Collector and District Magistrate Kundan Kumar has issued comprehensive emergency directions under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, placing all concerned departments on immediate alert in view of the IMD forecast. The Collector warned that heavy rainfall could trigger flash floods, raise water levels in the Maniyari and Shivnath rivers, increase inflows into the Rajiv Gandhi (Khudiya) Reservoir and cause extensive urban waterlogging. Stressing that the safety of lives and property remains the administration’s highest priority, he directed all departments to ensure close coordination and prompt action. All Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs), Tehsildars and revenue officials have been instructed to activate blocklevel control rooms immediately. Villagers residing along riverbanks and in low-lying areas will be alerted through public announcements by village Kotwars and advised to move to safer locations whenever necessary. The Water Resources Department has been directed to monitor the Rajiv Gandhi (Khudiya) Reservoir every hour. The Collector ordered that no emergency discharge into the Maniyari River be undertaken without at least three hours’ advance warning to downstream villages and written approval from the District Magistrate. Police and Traffic Police have been instructed to barricade all causeways and low-level crossings and strictly enforce a zero-crossing policy, prohibiting movement of vehicles and pedestrians across submerged roads, bridges and causeways.

 

The Chief Medical and Health Officer has been directed to maintain adequate stocks of anti-venom, chlorine tablets and essential medicines at all Community Health Centres (CHCs) and PHCs, while Rapid Response Medical Teams and ambulance services will remain on round-the-clock standby. Municipal bodies and Janpad Panchayats have been instructed to deploy high-capacity dewatering pumps in waterlogged areas and clear drains and water channels to ensure smooth drainage. The Chhattisgarh State Power Distribution Company has been directed to suspend power supply in inundated areas as a precaution, restore damaged power infrastructure on priority and ensure uninterrupted electricity to hospitals and emergency control rooms. The administration has also cancelled the leave of all Class I, II and III officers and employees engaged in essential services. Officers have been directed to remain at their headquarters and not leave the district without prior permission. To enforce prohibitory orders issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), joint Revenue-Police patrol teams have been deployed across vulnerable locations. Dedicated teams will monitor the Khudiya Dam and Maniyari River in Lormi, urban areas and major causeways in Mungel and the Shivnath River stretch and the Bemetara border in Patharia. The Livestock Development Department has been instructed to shift cattle from vulnerable riverside areas to safe shelters and Gauthans while maintaining adequate stocks of fodder and medicines.

 

Departments including Public Works, Rural Engineering Services, PMGSY, National Highways, Water Resources and the Forest Department have been directed to keep heavy machinery such as JCBs, dumpers and cutters ready to restore connectivity in the event of road blockages. Warning boards will also be installed at vulnerable bridges and dilapidated structures. Authorities have appealed to the public to avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from rivers, dams, streams and waterlogged areas, refrain from taking shelter under trees or weak structures during lightning, and strictly follow official advisories as the region braces for continued heavy rainfall over the coming days.