Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 6 Apr: Disaster Management and Rehabilitation Minister Madan Kaushik chaired a review meeting with departmental officials in the Assembly auditorium, here, today. During the review meeting he sought a detailed stock of activities to be undertaken before, during and after disasters. He issued necessary directions to the officers and emphasised that Uttarakhand should be established as a model state in disaster management.
Kaushik asserted that, on the lines of countries most affected by disasters, modern technologies must be utilised to strengthen the state’s preparedness. The minister stressed on the need for improved functioning at the district level to make disaster management more effective. He directed that communication systems at the district level be enhanced to ensure rapid exchange of information, enabling immediate relief and rescue operations during emergencies. He further instructed that village-level representatives, members and officials be provided with equipment and training for information exchange so that they can promptly inform district and state headquarters in case of any disaster.
Reminding the officials regarding the importance of community participation, Kaushik said that disaster friends and disaster sakhis should be appointed at the nyaya panchayat level. They must be given proper training in relief and rescue operations along with necessary equipment, and arrangements should be made for incentive payments to encourage their involvement. He also underlined the need for better forecasting to minimise losses from disasters.
Kaushik further directed that sensitive lakes with potential disaster risks be treated in consultation with experts from the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology. He added that landslide-prone sites where disasters occur repeatedly must be treated on priority. He instructed that rosters be prepared for district-level meetings on disaster management, in which he himself will participate.
Among those present at the meeting were Disaster Management and Rehabilitation Department Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman, Joint Secretary NS Dungriyal, Joint Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of USDMA Mohammad Obaidullah Ansari, along with other officials and subject experts.
