The Srinagar administration Thursday held a discussion group to finalise a disaster management plan aimed at evolving an effective standard operating procedure to deal with disaster situations in the district.
Senior officers from all line departments of the districtattended the discussion group held under the chairmanship of the DeputyCommissioner Srinagar Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary.
Extensive discussions were held on how a responsive andeffective disaster management mechanism through a robust institutionalframework can be set up in the district.
The discussions covered various aspects including duties andresponsibilities of different departments and officers and resources that needto be made available and their effective use under a well-organised guidingmechanism.
It was informed that the district disaster management planwill involve a four-tier response mechanism with SDMs along with seniorofficers of line departments and Tehsildars and BDOs being in charge ofresponsibilities at the sub-divisional and block levels and PanchayatInspectors and Ward Officers at the panchayat and ward levels.
The deliberations also discussed department-wise roles andresponsibilities that will need to be made part of the management plan and themeasures that need to be taken to strengthen them and make them capable.
It was said that in addition to the government workforceavailable with the district administration a network of volunteers in all zonesof the district needs to be built under a proper incentivised mechanism whichwill ensure their availability at the time of need.
ADC Srinagar K K Sidha gave a detailed presentation on whatthe district administration has devised and what is expected from concernedline departments as part of the district disaster management plan.
Director Disaster Management Aamir Ali who was also presentalso shared his insights on disaster management and how it could be strengthenedin the district. He highlighted focus areas and requirements specific to theSrinagar district and called for attention thereto while formulating a plan.
The DC while speaking on the occasion emphasised theimportance of devising a plan that will institutionalise disaster management inthe district through a robust and responsive mechanism. He said the idea is tomake preparedness for dealing with disaster situations in the district aneffortless exercise and response and mitigation a well-organised effort as partof an all-inclusive and coordinated plan. Joint Director Planning M Y Lone andsenior officers from all line departments attended the discussion group.