Kalimpong prepares for panchayat poll, keeping the monsoon in mind

YOWAN MOTHAY, EOI, KALIMPONG, JULY 6, 2023 :  The Kalimpong district administration on Thursday held a meeting in the Town Hall with all the stakeholders of the ensuing panchayat polls, keeping in sight the onset of monsoon. 

The initial spell of rains has resulted in minor landslides and some road blocks which have been promptly dealt with by the authorities. It was decided at the meeting that the Block Development Officers would keep rescue teams with dedicated rescue vehicles at all Block headquarters. 

Branches of trees should be trimmed, drains cleared and earth movers kept in readiness near vulnerable places on National Highway 10, PWD roads and other major rural roads. Vulnerable stretches of roads were identified and the Indian Railway Construction Company and the National Highway and Infrastructure Development Corporation were requested to make a plan of action to keep all roads open particularly during heavy rainfall. 

Keeping the panchayat poll schedule on July 8 in mind, all sector officers were asked to check their concerned polling stations and their approach roads and alternate routes. 

For the polling day and the day preceding, emergency lighting arrangements were asked to be made in case of power cuts. Tarpaulin sheets should also be kept with Sector Officers for emergency use, it was told. 

The authorities were requested to check the school infrastructure where polling booths would be situated for proper maintenance of toilets, class rooms and waiting sheds. BDOs were asked to provide raincoats and umbrellas where polling parties and sector officers would have to walk to reach the polling stations. All concerned officers were asked to download government developed weather apps like ‘Damini’ for warning on lightning, ‘Sachet’ for heavy rainfall warning and also to share these with the common people.

The Executive Officer, Kalimpong Municipality was also requested to keep ready search and rescue teams so that all polling parties of Kalimpong-I Block could move smoothly through the Municipality area.