Uluberia-I, July 25:
With the threat of rising water levels in the Damodar River due to continuous rainfall and potential release of water from the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC), the Uluberia-I Block administration has intensified its flood preparedness measures. As part of these efforts, a comprehensive miking campaign was conducted on Thursday in the flood-prone areas of Hatgachha-I and Hatgachha-II Gram Panchayats.
The awareness drive was led by Block Development Officer (BDO) H. M. Riajul Hoque, who personally oversaw the miking operations along the vulnerable riverbank zones. The objective of the initiative was to alert local residents about the possible risks associated with heavy rainfall and the precautions to be taken in the event of sudden water release by DVC.
The miking messages included instructions such as:
Stay informed about water levels through official sources.
Do not panic in case of sudden rise in water.
Keep essential documents and items ready in case of evacuation.
Shift to the nearest flood shelter or designated government building if needed.
Cooperate with local administration and follow instructions from disaster response teams.
“We are committed to ensuring the safety of our people. Through this miking initiative, we are spreading awareness among the riverbank dwellers so they know what actions to take during flood-like situations. The administration is alert and ready to respond at any moment,” stated BDO H. M. Riajul Hoque.
BDMO Malabika Basu and RLI Operator Ajijul Islam Mollah and Tushar Bera of BSK accompanied the team during the campaign, moving through vulnerable zones, marketplaces, and key village points. Villagers, particularly those living close to the embankments, welcomed the initiative and expressed relief that the administration was taking proactive steps.
This awareness drive is part of a broader flood management strategy being implemented across Uluberia-I Block. The block administration has already identified low-lying areas, activated flood shelters, and kept emergency teams and boats ready in coordination with the district disaster management unit.
The BDO urged all Gram Panchayats to stay vigilant, activate local disaster response teams, and regularly monitor the situation. He also appealed to the public to cooperate with authorities and not to spread rumors or panic.
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