news details |
|
|
| Govt formulates disaster response rules | | | Ishtiyaq Ahmad
Early Times Report
Srinagar, July 19: As Jammu and Kashmir is prone to disasters, the government has framed new rules concerning disaster preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery.
The effort is aimed to reduce the vulnerability to hazards and cope with disasters and natural calamities.
The state of Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed some major natural disasters in the past ranging from high magnitude earthquakes to devastating floods, series of avalanches and landslides.
As per the government report, at least 13 districts out of 100 districts in India have been identified as 'multi hazard districts'.
According to the Indian Meteorological department, most parts of Kashmir, including Srinagar, come under the Seismic Zone V, which are highly prone to earthquakes.
Official figures from the Meteorological Department reveal that 140 earthquakes have hit the region since 2009.
The new rules outline the roles of various departments at preparation, rescue, relief and rehabilitation stage.
At the preparation stage, the implementation of Disaster Management plan has to be reviewed and every year in April and necessary changes modifications have to be incorporated in the plan.
In order to make Disaster Management activities more effective, the key departments would be asked to devise their own Disaster Management plans concerning to their domain.
At the response and relief stage while the Executive Engineer will supervise flood protection and undertake measures like laying of sand filled E.C bags, temporary diversions. While, the administrative wing and zonal Committees will help in motivating people in taking flood prevention/protection and relief and rescue measures.
On the other hand, the key tasks of Identification and establishment of Community Centres ( Pacca buildings) to be used as relief /shelter camps done would be by Tehsildar concerned.
Their duty extends to distribution of relief in the form of rations, bedding, utensils etc to the affected people.
The rules stress that "immediate attendance of the staff deployed for flood duty would be ensured".
At the recovery stage, the authorities have to strengthen the weak spots and embankments and ensure proper assessment of flood damage by communicating it to higher authorities.
As per the new rules, "The first flood alert will be sounded by Central Flood Committee Srinagar through its Member Secretary Chief Engineer Irrigation and Flood Control as soon as the Sangam Gauge touches 18ft." |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
