Kerala govt. empowers District Collectors to tackle monsoon disasters
The Kerala government has formally empowered District Collectors to utilize their statutory authority under the Disaster Management Act to manage monsoon-related crises. This directive aims to ensure rapid response and provides legal protection for officials acting in good faith.
Why it matters
Clarifies the administrative chain of command and legal protections for local officials during emergency situations.
The State government has invoked and reiterated the statutory powers vested in District Collectors, as chairpersons of the District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs), to deal with monsoon-related disasters.
In a circular issued by the Disaster Management Department on August 3, Chief Secretary Bishwanath Sinha directed all District Collectors to immediately exercise the powers available to them under Sections 34 and 50 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, to ensure a rapid and unhindered response to the ongoing monsoon-related crisis.
As per the circular, the District Collectors have now been fully empowered and directed to take all necessary measures to safeguard the lives and property of people. The decision was taken in view of the severe monsoon-led crisis, including widespread flash floods and landslides.
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