Udupi: Deputy Commissioner Hephsiba Rani Korlapati said all hurdles on the national highway which may pose problems for traffic movement during the rainy season will be cleared within a week.

Speaking at a preparatory meeting convened here on Friday, she said the stormwater drains are unscientific at a few locations on the highway. Hence, water puddles may get created on the highway. Reflectors will be installed wherever it is necessary to check accidents. The NHAI and NH officials work in coordination, she added. 

She directed the officers to ensure that people do not face any problem on the highway during monsoon. Criminal cases will be registered against officers for negligence in this regard, she warned. 

The deputy commissioner said the officers should clear the fallen electric poles and trees immediately after the incidents. Mescom should restore electricity connections at the earliest if the power supply is cut during rain. The Education Department should identify schools for setting up of gruel centres, in case of emergency, she 
said. 

She said the Fire and Emergency Services Department personnel should keep boats ready to shift the flood victims. All wooden planks placed for storing water in the vented dam should be removed to facilitate the easy flow of water during monsoon, she told the officials.

She said the tahsildars should take measures to distribute compensation for the victims of natural calamities immediately. Control rooms should be set up in taluk offices and officials should be deployed round the clock at the control room, she advised them. 

A warning board prohibiting swimming in quarry pits should be mounted at the quarry pit sites. If any mishap occurs in quarry pits, then criminal cases will be registered against quarry owners, she warned.