Div Com Kmr stresses for a comprehensive disaster management plan

 Srinagar, February 28 (Scoop News) – In order to mobilise community participation, particularly the activities of Youth at a large scale to passage the awareness to the common masses in disaster preparedness, a two days disaster management training programme was today organised in Kashmir University.

      While chairing the two day’s concluding training programme, Disaster preparedness for National Service Scheme (NSS) for volunteers in collaboration with Divisional Disaster Management Authority of Kashmir and Civil Defence, the Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Dr. Asgar Samoon said that since the university is the highest seat of learning, so it should be our endeavour to conduct research on disaster planning and policy and to provide professional support for review of disaster management plans already prepared by the districts. He also stressed for having a proper disaster preparedness training as well as adequate logistic support, so that Disaster Management can be main streamed into development.

      The Divisional Commissioner said that in a State of Jammu and Kashmir, where emergencies are a matter of routine both on account of natural calamities or manmade, the value of timely and adequate response to emergency situations is a paramount importance. He said, no doubt the State Government has already put in place a number of measures but it is up to the concerned agencies and the  volunteers to execute the measures in time and save the precious lives. He stressed for shifting of the concept of response to more pragmatic 3R’s rescue, relief, rehabilitation to a more effective measures like preventive, preparedness etc. He further said that every citizen should be trained and empowered to deal with day to day emergencies.

      Appreciating the NSS, the chief guest Vice Chancellor of the Kashmir University, Prof. Talat Ahmad for taking initiative to train the youth in disaster preparedness. He said it is the need of the hour to ensure strict regulations for the buildings, so that they may be made disaster resistance. He also said that the University will start diploma courses in disaster management as well as initiate steps to incorporate disaster management in the curriculum of Schools and Higher Secondary’s.

      On the occasion, the rescue equipments and advance rescue tender of Fire and Emergency Services was displayed by Divisional Fire office, Srinagar.

      The DIG, Civil Defence, Home Guard and Auxiliary Police, Mubarak Ahmed Ganai, Registrar, University of Kashmir, Prof. S. Fayaz, Programme Co-ordinator  NSS were present on the occasion.

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