Srinagar, Oct 17: Emphasising the administration’s assurance to making Jammu and Kashmir disaster-resilient, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha addressed an event on Disaster Risk Reduction at the University of Kashmir on Tuesday
The LG underscored that under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the UT Administration is taking significant steps to strengthen the disaster risk reduction system.
“Making J&K disaster-resilient is our top priority, and we are taking significant steps to strengthen the disaster risk reduction system in the UT,” stated the Lieutenant Governor.
LG Sinha suggested the establishment of disaster management committees in every Panchayat located in disaster-prone areas. These committees are expected to include members from youth clubs, voluntary organizations, elected public representatives, and Aapda Mitra.
People’s participation, will play a pivotal role in preparedness and disaster risk reduction, reinforcing the importance of a collective effort in safeguarding communities.
With the backdrop of climate change and an increase in extreme weather events, natural disasters are now impacting areas that have previously remained untouched by such hazards. LG Sinha emphasized the necessity to shift from a reactive response approach to proactive prevention and preparedness to mitigate these impacts effectively.
The LG stressed the importance of this year’s International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction theme, ‘Fighting inequality for a resilient future,’ and called for accelerated action in addressing the concerns highlighted within it. He particularly highlighted the need to protect marginalized communities for resilient development and quick recovery.
“Our priority is to strengthen the system of early warning, early action, resilient infrastructure, and collaborative action involving all stakeholders to ensure no precious lives are lost,” stated LG Sinha.
The Lieutenant Governor directed the J&K Disaster Management Authority to formulate a blueprint for a robust mechanism to provide access to information, essential services, and early warnings in the event of a disaster. This is crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of the population during adverse situations.
Later, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today dedicated the specialized snow clearance equipments and vehicles to the public.
The equipments procured by J&K Disaster Management Authority were handed over to Mechanical and Hospital Engineering Directorate of PW (R&B) Department to carry out safe and effective snow clearing and maintain accessibility for the citizens.
The 170 number of Disaster Response and Snow Clearance equipments under SDRF I, II & III includes Snow cutters, Backhoe Loaders, Tractors with Snow Plough; Light Recovery Vehicle Crane, Wheel Mounted Front End Loaders, Variable Snow Plough, Wheel & Chain Mounted Excavators.
Among others present included Shailender Kumar, Principal Secretary Public Works (R&B) Department; Prof. Nilofer Khan, Vice Chancellor Kashmir University; Nazim Zai Khan, Secretary, Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction
