With number of organizations expressing desire to collaborate the mechanism put in place in the wake of the COVID19 outbreak, the district magistrate (DM) Srinagar Shahid Iqbal Choudhary has issued instructions to ensure streamlining the operations.
Issuing a circular here the DM, who is also ChairmanDistrict Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) Srinagar has instructed that allNGOs interested in distributing different kinds of material like food or PPEshall furnish a detailed plan to the DDMA, adding that no distribution can bemade without seeking prior approval.
The circular states that while the DDMA acknowledges thatthe NGOs and other voluntary support organisations have an important role inthe ongoing situation, it was important that their operations were regulatedkeeping in mind the nature of the situation.
The circular states the NGOs will have an option todistribute the relief material themselves or hand it over to the DDMA fordistribution, adding that in the former case a DDMA representative will bedeputed to ensure organised distribution.
In either case distribution will be preceded by mandatoryquality-check by the DDMA.
It should be noted that the DDMA has designated nodalofficers – who are experts in their respective fields – for certifying thequality of material or items that voluntary support organisations might want todonate or distribute.
Before distribution can be made the target areas orresidents or institutions will have to be finalised in consultation with theDDMA in order to ensure smooth and thorough distribution process, as per thecircular .
In order to prevent public gathering or crowding duringdistribution of the material, the executive magistrates concerned and SHOs willensure order and organised execution. “No organisation or government departmentcan gather people during distribution of material,” it says.
The NGOs and other voluntary support organisationsinterested in collaborating with the Srinagar administration in its responsemechanism can register their interest through WhatsApp on 7006414736 and9149654809 numbers.
It should be noted that eight NGOs have so far joined handswith and were assisting the administration in its ongoing relief efforts.
The DM said the district administration appreciates the roleand efforts of the NGOs and other such organizations, but stressed theimportance of putting in place a mechanism which ensures smooth responseoperations and following of all precautions and guidelines in order to avoidproblems.
Meanwhile, organisations or persons can also donate fundstoward the ongoing response efforts in the district. The funds can be creditedto the account of Chairman District Red Cross Society (Deputy Commissioner)Srinagar (Account Number 0367040100004325, IFS Code JAKA0TANKEE, MICR Code 190051068)