Srinagar, Apr 14: Divisional Commissioner, Dr Asgar Hassan Samoon Thursday released the 2011 edition of Sphere Handbook on Minimum Standards for Humanitarian Response.
 An official handout said: “The handbook was globally released in 14 countries all over the world and in India it was simultaneously released in 15 states including J&K.”
 It said the handbook was launched in New Delhi by Minister of State, Women & Child Development,  Krishna Tirath  at the India Habitat Centre.
 The launch at Srinagar was organized jointly by Divisional Administration, Kashmir in collaboration with J&K IMPA.
 The programme was attended by Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Mehraj Ahmed Kakroo, Additional DC Srinagar, Drug Controller Gupta, various Chief Engineers and Heads of Departments, Dy Director IMPA, Ghulam Rasool Kumar Dy Commandant Auxiliary Police, Dy Controller Civil Defence and Dy Chief Warden Civil Defence and Red Cross Volunteers & Civil Defence Wardens. Various Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and representatives from media, Dr GM Dar, Associate Prof J&K IMPA and Aamir Ali, Coordinator Disaster Management & OSD with Div Com Kashmir also attended the programme.
 “The 2011 edition of sphere handbook incorporates a new chapter – Protection Principles – which considers the protection and safety of population affected by disaster or armed conflict as an integral part of humanitarian response,” the handout said.
 “It addresses emerging issues like climate change, disaster risk reduction, early recovery of services and livelihoods, cash transfers and civil-military relations. Understanding and supporting local responses to disasters such as the one in Japan and Haiti is a priority reflected in the latest Sphere Handbook, as is reinforcing the capacity of local actors.”
 Expressing views on the handbook, Dr Samoon said: “The Sphere Standards have been prepared scientifically and are the benchmark for ensuring effective humanitarian assistance to people in need around the world.”
 “It is a life line for humanitarian aid workers and organizations and will improve the quality of humanitarian assistance to survivors of disasters and conflicts,” he added.
 Earlier Deputy Commissioner Srinagar spoke about the vulnerability of Srinagar City to various disasters especially earthquakes. He asked concerned agencies to “conduct vulnerability mapping of the City.”

Lastupdate on : Thu, 14 Apr 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Thu, 14 Apr 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Fri, 15 Apr 2011 00:00:00 IST