SME Times News Bureau | 24 May, 2021
Union Minister of Commerce & Industry Piyush
Goyal, along with the Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas & Steel Dharmendra
Pradhan and the Minister of Ports,
Shipping and Waterways Mansukh
Mandaviya, today interacted with the industry leaders on preparedness for Cyclone Yaas.
The meeting was also
attended by the senior officers of IMD, NDMA, Shipping, Railways, and various
State Governments. The meeting was called following the initiative of Hon’ble
Prime Minister, as was done on 16th of this month to check the preparedness for cyclone Taukate.
According
to India Meteorological Department, the Depression over east
central Bay of Bengal is very likely to move slowly north-north-westwards and
intensify into a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm and reach Northwest Bay of Bengal
near north Odisha and West Bengal coasts by 26th May morning.
It
is very likely to cross north Odisha - West Bengal coasts between Paradip and
Sagar islands by evening of 26th May as a Very Severe Cyclonic
Storm.
NDMA
informed that pre-emptive measures have already been taken to minimize the loss
of lives and property. All agencies have been put on high alerts and they are
working in close coordination to undertake rescue and relief operations.
Preparatory
meetings with the concerned departments and state governments have been held.
All the fishing boats have been brought to the shore.
DG
Shipping informed that they and the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
have set up Control rooms, and advisories are being sent four times in a day.
Steps are being taken as per the guidelines and SOPs.
Railway
authorities informed that passenger trains will be cancelled from tomorrow
onwards in the areas likely to be worst affected, and the freight trains will
also be regulated when the wind speed picks up.
Railways
has already moved the emergency equipment and relief materials to strategic
places, and the restoration work will be done at the earliest. The movement of
Oxygen express from Rourkela will continue through alternative routes.
State
Governments officials apprised about the steps taken by them to reduce the
impact of Cyclone Yaas, and their preparedness for undertaking
rescue, relief and rehabilitation in their respective areas.
They
said measures have been taken to ensure smooth supply of essential goods,
particularly for medical supplies. They have also issued advisories and
instructions for the purpose.
Industry
representatives said that sharing of timely information gives them enough
confidence to cope with the situation.
The
spirit of collaboration and cooperation among all the stakeholders will help in
reducing the impact of such natural disasters. They also said that steps being
taken by various agencies makes them feel that they shall be able to face the
situation in an effective manner. They also made several suggestions, which
they felt could help in reducing the hardships.
Piyush
Goyal said that Central and State Governments are working hand in hand and
undertaking orderly planning to ensure that there is minimal loss to people and
the property.
He
said that with the collective efforts of all stakeholders, the recent super
cyclone Taukate was well handled, and expressed the
hope that Cyclone Yaas is also overcome honourably. He said that Industry
participants can play an important role in ensuring this.
The
Minister said that the Prime Minister yesterday and the Home Minister today had
reviewed the preparatory arrangements, and the union Ministers are also engaged
with the concerned authorities.
He
urged that relief supplies should be properly channelized, minimum outages of
Communication and electricity ensured, Mobile and torches kept fully charged,
and DG sets fully stocked up with fuel.
Goyal
called for constant monitoring of the situation, supporting the healthcare
workers, and also all those in distress.
Pradhan
assured that the supply of Liquid medical oxygen from eastern India to the rest
of the country will not be affected.
He
said that Ministry of PNG has made full assessment of various oil and gas
installations, ships, docks etc in the area, and learning from recent
experience, has taken all precautionary steps to ensure minimal damage.
Mansukh
Mandaviya said that meeting with the industry before the cyclone Taukate helped the authorities as well as the industry.
Better awareness, availability of information and coordination helped in
minimizing the losses and everyone was better prepared to handle the situation.
He
said this helped in taking preemptive steps, and also take post-cyclone relief,
rescue and rehabilitation steps in an effective manner.