KHONSA, Jul 22: In a significant step towards strengthening disaster preparedness and expediting relief measures during the ongoing monsoon season in Tirap district, Deputy Commissioner Badonlum Tawsik unveiled the District Disaster Management Plan (DDMP) 2025–26.

The DC launched the key document while chairing a District Executive Committee (DEC) meeting at his office conference hall here today.

The meeting brought together administrative officers and HoDs to review the flood and monsoon-related damages reported from across the district, and the overall disaster situation, and chart out coordinated measures for restoration, relief and preparedness.

District Disaster Management Officer (DDMO) Emily Tingkhatra presented a comprehensive assessment of damages, covering losses to residential houses, public infrastructure and sector-wise impacts reported by field officials.

HoDs from PWD, RWD, PHED, WRD, Agriculture, Horticulture, Food & Civil Supplies, Education, Power and other line departments briefed the DEC on the extent of damages, restoration efforts already undertaken and the present status of essential public services.

Following detailed deliberations, the DEC approved eligible pending compensation cases for disbursement in accordance with the prevailing SDRF/NDRF norms, subject to the availability of funds and completion of the prescribed formalities.

Addressing the officers, the DC directed all departments to accord the highest priority to the restoration of essential services and critical infrastructure. He stressed the need to keep emergency response teams, manpower, machinery and other vital resources on standby throughout the monsoon period to ensure swift response to any eventuality.

The Department of Food & Civil Supplies was instructed to maintain adequate stocks of essential commodities to prevent supply disruptions, while the Public Health Engineering Department was directed to ensure timely restoration and uninterrupted supply of safe drinking water in all affected areas.

Further, the DC instructed all admin officers and HoDs to regularly submit updated damage assessment reports, incident reports and geo-tagged photographs for consolidation and onward submission to the Government.

Departments were also asked to maintain close coordination with the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) and promptly report any disaster or emergency situation to the District Emergency Operations Centre (DEOC) for timely intervention.

A major highlight of the meeting was the official unveiling of the District Disaster Management Plan (DDMP) 2025–26 by the DC. Copies of the DDMP were distributed to the members present to serve as a guiding document for disaster preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery, while promoting greater inter-departmental coordination and institutional readiness across the district.

Emphasizing that preparedness remains the key to minimizing the impact of natural disasters, the DC called for continuous monitoring of vulnerable locations, timely dissemination of early warning messages, seamless coordination among departments and prompt response to emergencies to safeguard lives and property during the ongoing monsoon season. (DIPRO)