The Centre has asked the states to enhance Disaster mitigation preparedness for the South-West monsoon season.

Inaugurating the Annual Conference of the Disaster management Secretaries from the States and Union Territories in New Delhi on Monday, Home Secretary R.K Singh urged for immediate building up of stocks to meet the requirements in the event of natural calamities including Cyclones, floods and landslides.

The Home secretary expressed dissatisfaction that some states have not set up Disaster Management Centres or used up funds allotted by the Centre for the purpose.

He also urged to improve the accuracy and speed of Early warning systems of disasters. He said, the modernisaiton of the Fire force has to be speeded up to equip it to respond to hazards of all nature.

Mr. Singh said, the Centre is constantly making efforts for prevention and mitigation of disasters damages and also providing as much funds as possible.

Speaking on the occasion, the Secretary Border Management, Mr. A. E Ahmed said, a task force has been set up to examine and review the Disaster Management Act 2005. He said, the National Disaster Response Force have saved 19000 lives.

He said, some states have set up Disaster management Centres while some are in the process. Mr. Ahmed said, 14.47 crore rupees have earmarked for Safety in Schools program.

He said the joint efforts of the Centre and States would go a long way in mitigating the sufferings of the people during disasters.

The Meteorological Department has forecast that the southwest monsoon has will hit Kerala on the first of June.