By Arun Pratap Singh
Dehradun, 14 Dec: The successful operation to safely rescue 41 labourers trapped in the tunnel under construction in Silkyara in District Uttarkashi has taught major lessons regarding disaster management. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has sought a report from the state government regarding the role and active participation of all the agencies involved in the rescue campaign. In turn, Secretary, Disaster Management, Dr Ranjit Sinha has written a letter to the agencies involved in the rescue operation to share the relevant information.
It may be recalled, here, that NDMA Advisor (Operation and Command) Colonel Kirti Pratap Singh has sent a letter to the Uttarakhand government seeking information in this regard. NDMA has mentioned that complex rescue operations like the one in Silkyara are successful only through proper utilisation of resources and expertise with a united team spirit. The successful rescue operation in Silkyara tunnel in which 41 trapped workers were successfully rescued is a good opportunity to identify and codify its important aspects. It is believed that NDMA will prepare an action plan to deal with similar disasters in future from the case study of Operation Silkyara.
NDMA has sought Information mainly on four points like how much manpower, resources, expertise and technology were used in the rescue operation; the challenges encountered during the rescue and details of the measures taken to overcome them, including details of the innovative steps taken. The NDMA has also sought information regarding the lessons learnt during the operation and in respect of the areas which need further improvement.
Besides this, NDMA has also sought suggestions and recommendations to effectively deal with similar situations in the future.
The Secretary, Disaster Management, has sought information from the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), SDRF, Peyjal Nigam, Public Works Department (PWD), Forest Department, Uttarakhand Jal Sansthan, Health and Family Welfare Department, Landslides Mitigation and Management Centre and the District Magistrate and SP of Uttarkashi District. All the agencies and departments concerned have been asked to submit the reports at the earliest so that it can be forwarded to the NDMA.
