Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 23: Minister of State for Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation Ajaz Ahmed Khan replying to the discussion raised by Dr. Shahnaz Ganai informed the Legislative Council that a comprehensive State Disaster Management Plan is under preparation and a reputed consultancy Tata Institute of Social Sciences engaged for the purpose, has prepared the draft.
Before the draft is submitted for approval a discussion with all stakeholders has been scheduled on March 6 and 7 at Jammu following which the Disaster Management Plan is expected to be finalized by March to serve as basic guideline for the authorities at various levels for advance preparedness.
The Minister further informed that steps have already been initiated to cope up with disaster related challenges including creation of two trained battalions of home guard/civil defense and SDRF meant exclusively for rescue operations. The personnel have been deployed in each district, he said, adding that the civil defense has already been provided some rescue vehicles and ambulances in various districts.
The Minister said 4 Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs) have been approved recently to be established in the districts of Leh, Kargil, Srinagar and Jammu and for the purpose Rs. 8 crore has been earmarked. He said these centers shall be having 24×7 help lines, manned by adequate staff and equipped with rescue and relief equipment. Besides this, the Minister added that Rs. 18 crore have been sanctioned for purchase of equipment to J&K State Disaster Response Force (SDRF/Home Guard) and Fire and Emergency Services. These funds will be utilized for procurement of the rescue equipment as per the NDMA Guidelines.
He said that several awareness programmes have been held in various educational institutions and during the current year more awareness programmes will be organized in coordination with Housing and Urban Development Department, Urban Local Bodies and PRIs across the State. Besides general public, awareness programmes for engineers and architects are also proposed, to introduce correct construction techniques as per lay down building code.
Mr Khan said that the State Executive Committee headed by the Chief Secretary, responsible for implementing the National and the State Plan for Disaster Management, has sanctioned timely relief to the affected families and for restoration of public infrastructure. During the Current year Rs. 130 crore have been sanctioned and placed at the disposal of the Deputy Commissioners for clearing any past or current liability.
The Minister said that Government will further take all necessary steps and develop infrastructure required as per the NDMA guidelines to develop capabilities for quick response and minimize impact of natural disasters.
Various members took part in the discussion and presented several suggestions for consideration of the Government. The member includes Jahangir Hussain Mir, Dr Bashir Ahmed Veeri, G. N. Monga, Syed Mohammad Rafiq Shah and Khalid Najeeb Suharwardy.
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