Srinagar, October 13(Scoop News) – N. N. Vohra, Governor Jammu and Kashmir, today stressed the high importance of putting in place State and District Disaster Management Plans on urgent basis and forging effective partnerships for reducing the earthquake risks and promoting mitigation and preparedness measures in the State.
The Governor, as Chief Guest, was inaugurating a 3-day Workshop on “Urban Earthquake Disaster Risk Reduction” at the
The Governor observed that as no reliable scientific tools have so far been developed for accurate forecasting of an earthquake, the best option available is to ensure most effective preparedness to mitigate the consequences of any natural or manmade disaster. In this context, he stressed the vital importance of enlarging awareness about all aspects of disaster preparedness on a continuing basis. The Governor observed that the entire North West Himalayan Region was seismically vulnerable and
The Governor while congratulating Prof. Talat Ahmad, Vice Chancellor,
The Governor thanked the NDMA for their support and help in imparting training to the personnel who manage the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi and Shri Amarnathji Shrine pilgrimages in the various aspects of disaster management. Referring to the installation of three Advanced Warning Systems in the Amarnathji Shrine area by the Meteorological Department during this year’s Yatra, the Governor said that this provided better and more accurate weather reports. He hoped that the Doppler Radar would also be soon established at
Later, the Governor inaugurated an Exhibition of the sophisticated life saving disaster response equipments put up by the 7th National Disaster Response Force under the aegis of NDMA at the University Campus. He took keen interest in the equipments and stressed for adequately training the personnel in using this equipment to the best advantage.
In his Presidential address, M. Shashidhar Reddy, Vice Chairman, NDMA, addressing the inaugural session of the Workshop, dwelt on the various initiatives being taken by the NDMA to enlarge awareness about the preparedness and mitigation vis-à-vis earthquakes. In this context, he said that NDMA has taken the initiative to launch first ever Multi State Earthquake Preparedness Campaign. He also stressed for safe construction standards of buildings, particularly in earthquake vulnerable States like J&K. He thanked the Governor for inaugurating the Workshop.
Dr. Harsh Gupta, Member, NDMA, sad that the UN General Assembly has decided to designate 13th October as International Day for Disaster Reduction and expressed happiness that organizing of this Workshop coincides with this important Day. He said that J&K should be made as earthquake free as possible.
Dr. Muzaffar Ahmad, Member, NDMA, emphasized on the construction of earthquake-resistant buildings and training of engineers and masons in the State.
Dr. Shailesh Nayak, Secretary, Union Ministry of Earth Sciences, threw light on the measures being taken and approaches developed in regard to understandings about earthquakes as well as preparedness and mitigation aspects thereof.
In his welcome address, Prof. Talat Ahmad, Vice Chancellor,
Prof. Nilofer Khan, Dean Students Welfare,
The Deans, Heads of Departments, Faculty members, students of the University and delegates participating in the Workshop were present on the occasion.
Leave Your Comments