SRINAGAR, AUGUST 20: Secretary Disaster Management Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (DMRRR), Farooq Ahmad Shah, on Monday directed the officials to work on war-footing basis for establishing dedicated Emergency Operation Centres (EOC) in every district of the State to coup with any kind of natural calamities.
He passed these directions while reviewing the level of disaster preparedness in the State. The meeting was attended by all the Deputy Commissioners and ADCs of the state through video conferencing. Director Disaster Management, Director Finance Disaster Management and other senior Officers were also present in the meeting.
He asked the Deputy Commissioners to identify the land and submit the DPRs at the earliest so that funds can be arranged for the establishment of EOCs at district level. It was informed that many of the districts have already identified the land and have initiated the process of preparation of DPRs for the same.
Addressing the officers, Shah said that these EOCs need to be equipped with latest gadgets and equipment including boats, De-watering pumps, JCBs, Life Jackets, First Aid kits etc. He also called for ensuring a proper communication system to carry rescue operations in case of emergencies and asked to provide satellite phones at these EOCs to establish contact with all field functionaries.
He directed the officials to be vigilant 24X7 to deal with any kind of exigencies whenever they arise. He also asked officials to train the local volunteers, college and university students so that they can provide their help during any emergency situation as First responders.
It was informed that State Executive Committee (SEC) of SDMA has already released Rs 5.50 Cr each to be kept at the disposal of Deputy Commissioners to meet expenses on account of any emergent situation arising in the district as per SDRF norms.
He also asked DC’s to submit the District Action Plan of SDRF and also asked them to carry out the activities as per the plan.
During the meeting, it was informed that road, electricity and water supply has been restored in Tanghdar which was disrupted owing to flash floods last week. He directed the officers to access the level of damage in the area so that relief can be provided to the affected families preferably before Eid.
Shah urged the officials to work in a coordinated manner with different departments and field functionaries so that the department can be better prepared to deal with any disasters.
He also asked the Deputy Commissioners to regularly assess the level of disaster preparedness in their respective districts and submit the same report on monthly basis. He emphasized on conducting mock drills to check the level of preparation, coordination and response in handling flood threats.
