Srinagar: With the monsoon season approaching, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg on Monday reviewed flood mitigation measures and disaster preparedness across the Valley, directing district administrations to strengthen emergency response mechanisms and ensure readiness to tackle any flood-related situation.
The directions were issued during a high-level meeting attended by Deputy Commissioners, senior officers of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), the Irrigation Department and the Assistant Commissioner Central.
Reviewing district-wise preparedness, the Divisional Commissioner assessed the status of updates to the India Disaster Resource Network (IDRN), contingency planning, rescue shelters, flood-prone villages and low-lying areas, network shadow zones and the availability of satellite communication equipment with field officers.
He also reviewed the availability of operational helipads, rescue boats, dewatering pumps and other emergency resources, besides taking stock of awareness programmes and mock drills conducted by district administrations to strengthen disaster response capabilities.
Emphasising the need for proactive preparedness, Garg directed all Deputy Commissioners to replenish critical resources and ensure timely updating of the IDRN portal with details of rescue equipment and other essential assets.
He stressed the importance of round-the-clock functioning of District Emergency Operation Centres and instructed district administrations to formulate comprehensive contingency plans to facilitate swift rescue operations and effective flood mitigation during emergencies.
To strengthen coordination among response agencies, the Divisional Commissioner directed district administrations to share the geographical coordinates of all operational helipads with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), SDRF, Police and the Army.
Special instructions were issued to the district administrations of Anantnag and Ganderbal to undertake Yatra-specific disaster management preparations to ensure the safety and security of pilgrims during the forthcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra.
The Divisional Commissioner also directed the Deputy Commissioner Baramulla to facilitate the allotment of land for establishing a permanent SDRF deployment at Gulmarg, aimed at enhancing emergency response capacity in the tourist destination.
Calling for greater inter-departmental coordination, Garg urged all Deputy Commissioners to convene meetings of their respective District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs) to optimise resource sharing, improve preparedness and sensitise stakeholders regarding disaster response protocols.
He underscored the importance of maintaining a coordinated response framework across departments and agencies to effectively tackle any flood-related exigencies during the monsoon season.
The Divisional Commissioner said timely preparedness, efficient coordination and availability of adequate resources would be key to minimising risks and ensuring public safety in the event of any emergency situation.
