Srinagar, Mar 25: The government Monday informed that 2100 ‘Aapda Mitras’ (community volunteers) have been trained across Jammu and Kashmir to assist in disaster response, with 300 volunteers specifically trained for the Chenab Valley region. This information was provided in response to an Un-starred question submitted by MLA Sunil Kumar Sharma.
In a written reply, the government informed the house duirng the ongoing budget session that there is vulnerability of Chenab Valley to landslides and flash floods and to mitigate the impact of such natural disasters, District Disaster Management Plans have been implemented across all districts.
“It said that several critical measures have been adopted to strengthen disaster preparedness, including early Warning System & Common Alert Protocol: Enables standardized emergency alerts across various communication channels. Incident Response System (IRS) established in all districts to ensure systematic and coordinated emergency responses,” it said.
The reply further reads that regular mock exercises at schools and colleges conducted by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) to promote disaster preparedness and response. Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) Activities: Ongoing public awareness campaigns, regular meetings among stakeholders to enhance disaster preparedness and emergency Operation Centers established at the UT and district levels.
The government highlighted that 300 ‘Aapda Mitras’ in Chenab Valley are equipped to handle basic relief and rescue operations during emergencies. Additionally, the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS), a pan-India 112-based emergency response system, is operational in J&K to address distress calls.
To ensure communication during disasters, satellite phones have been provided to all District Disaster Management Authorities (Deputy Commissioners) for emergency operations.
The government stated that it does not intend to introduce a new relief and rehabilitation policy for natural calamities. The existing Revised Items and Norms of Assistance under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) will continue to apply from 2022-23 to 2025-26.
