Suhail Bhat
Srinagar, Mar 30: Government today said that no comprehensive seismic risk mitigation and disaster preparedness plan is currently under consideration, even as all districts of the Union Territory fall under the highest-risk seismic zone and remain vulnerable to earthquakes.
Replying to a starred question tabled by MLA Sajad Shaheen in assembly, the government said that a committee of experts for Hazard, Vulnerability and Risk Assessment (HVRA) has been constituted vide Government Order No. 158-JK(GAD) of 2026 dated February 6, 2026, and its work is underway.
The government said district-level disaster response infrastructure is in place, including District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), police, and fire and emergency services. “Trained manpower is available across districts, with SDRF personnel trained in rescue operations, while police and fire services act as first responders in both urban and rural areas,” it said.
It added that Civil Defence teams and Quick Response Teams assist in evacuation and relief, while Army and CAPF units support response during major disasters.
Under the ‘Aapda Mitra Scheme’, implemented in 13 districts, 2,100 volunteers have been trained through SDRF battalions. The government said 300 volunteers each have been trained in Baramulla and Jammu; 200 each in Kathua, Kupwara, Rajouri and Udhampur; and 100 each in Doda, Kishtwar, Kulgam, Poonch, Ramban, Reasi and Samba. “In addition, more than 10,000 volunteers were trained in 2025 alone through 127 training camps, and the process is ongoing,” it said, adding that Aapda Sakhis have also been trained.
The government said regular mock drills are conducted in schools and colleges by SDRF and NDRF, while public awareness is promoted through Information, Education and Communication (IEC) activities. Disaster Management Committees have also been constituted at Panchayat and block levels.
On early warning systems, the government said efforts to develop an Earthquake Early Warning (EEW) system for the Himalayan region are at a nascent stage. “At present, earthquake monitoring is carried out by the National Centre for Seismology, which operates a network of more than 160 stations across the country and maintains 24×7 monitoring,” it said.
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