Ernakulam district administration steps up pre-monsoon prepardness

Published – May 19, 2026 11:31 pm IST – KOCHI

The Hindu Bureau

In the wake of the intensifying monsoon, District Collector and District Disaster Management Authority Chairperson G. Priyanka has ordered the immediate felling of dangerous trees and pruning of tree branches.

Action was initiated after several trees were found posing threat near schools, houses, offices, and other public places, according to a communication.

The Collector asked the departments concerned and local bodies to identify hazardous trees and remove them immediately. As regards precarious trees located on private property, the local bodies concerned should issue notices to the owners. The Collector also ordered that hazardous trees within school compounds be identified and safety measures taken before the start of the new academic year. Dangerous billboards and hoardings must also be removed.

Review meeting

Meanwhile, a review meeting of the departments concerned will be held at the Collectorate on Wednesday (May 20) in a bid to step up pre-monsoon cleaning activities in the district. The meeting will evaluate steps taken by each local body. While the Kochi Corporation has been granted permission to spend up to ₹60,000 from its own funds for cleaning activities, municipalities and panchayats can spend up to ₹40,000 and ₹30,000, respectively.

Local bodies were asked to intensify source-reduction activities through house visits to prevent mosquito breeding. Special cleaning campaigns should be organised in schools, government offices, and hospitals as part of epidemic prevention. Secretaries of local bodies should pay special attention to ensuring cleanliness in labour camps where migrant workers stay, the Collector said in a communication.

Published – May 19, 2026 11:31 pm IST