Engineers will be held responsible for fatalities caused by road potholes during monsoon, warns Minister Khader

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Jun 9, 2026: Health and Family Welfare Minister U.T. Khader has directed officials to work in close coordination to effectively manage any disasters that may arise during the monsoon season.

Speaking at a review meeting on monsoon preparedness held at the Deputy Commissioner’s office on Monday, Khader stressed that the National Highways Authority and the Public Works Department (PWD) must coordinate closely to address waterlogging issues on roads. In emergency situations, officials should go beyond their jurisdictional boundaries and act in the larger public interest, he said.

The minister issued a stern warning that if accidents resulting in loss of life occur due to water-filled potholes on roads during the monsoon, the engineers of the concerned departments will be held directly accountable. He also instructed officials to focus on permanent road repair solutions instead of repeatedly filling potholes as a temporary measure.

Khader directed MESCOM officials to deploy additional linemen and vehicles to ensure uninterrupted maintenance of power connections during the rainy season. He emphasized the need for swift restoration of electricity whenever disruptions occur.

He further urged authorities to minimize man-made problems during the monsoon. Local bodies should remove road blockages caused by flooding without delay, he said. While carrying out relief and rehabilitation measures, officials should take local organizations and the public into confidence.

The minister also instructed authorities to activate task forces and appoint nodal officers for every Gram Panchayat to strengthen disaster management efforts.

Deputy Commissioner Darshan H.V. briefed the meeting on the preparedness measures already undertaken for monsoon management in the district.

Among those present at the meeting were Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy, Superintendent of Police Arun, Deputy Conservator of Forests Ravi Shankar, Sub-Divisional Officer Meenakshi Arya and other officials.