* Inspires new batch at IIM Jammu
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, July 18: In a significant step towards enhancing the disaster resilience and preparedness, the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir conducted a high-level workshop on the Incident Response System (IRS) today.
The workshop was attended by Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, Principal Secretary Home and DMRR&R, Chandraker Bharti, senior Administrative Secretaries, Divisional Commissioners, Heads of Departments and National Disaster Management experts including Brigadier Kuldip Singh (Retd), Former Senior Consultant, Ministry of Home Affairs.
In his opening remarks, the Chief Secretary underlined the critical importance of building a culture of disaster preparedness among the citizens and institutions. “Disasters often arrive without warning and in every such instance, citizens are the first responders,” he said. “Each capable individual has a moral responsibility to contribute to disaster resilience by being aware, prepared and proactive,” he added.
Highlighting Jammu and Kashmir’s unique geopolitical and environmental vulnerabilities, the Chief Secretary emphasized the UT’s susceptibility to earthquakes, glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), landslides, cross-border tensions and climate-induced challenges. “Given our exposure to multiple hazards, our preparedness must be all-encompassing, institutionally sound and technologically enabled,” he stated.
Dulloo stressed that disaster readiness is not measured by paperwork but by the number of lives saved and the responsiveness of the system during crisis. He noted that increasing urbanization and climate change have escalated the intensity and frequency of disasters, placing greater responsibility on Governments, institutions and citizens to act decisively.
The Chief Secretary called for customisation of IRS protocols based on local risk profiles at the district and block level. He proposed development of a Disaster Dashboard to map available resources, machinery, manpower and vulnerable zones across the UT.
In his inaugural address, Principal Secretary, Home and DMRR&R, Chandraker Bharti, described the IRS as a newly notified system in J&K aimed at establishing a well-coordinated command structure during disasters.
Delivering a detailed presentation, Brigadier Kuldip Singh (Retd), a distinguished disaster management expert, shared his insights on disaster typologies, standard operating procedures (SOPs) and the defined responsibilities of various stakeholders during emergencies.
Later, a comprehensive handbook on the Incident Response System (IRS) was unveiled, clearly delineating the roles and responsibilities of each officer and department involved in disaster response.
Meanwhile, in an insightful address to the newly admitted batch of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu, Chief Secretary, exhorted students to embrace their journey with purpose, passion and a deep commitment to public good.
The event marked the commencement of the academic year for one of India’s youngest and most dynamic IIMs.
Congratulating the students for securing admission to a premier national institution, the Chief Secretary emphasized that IIM Jammu is not merely an academic campus, but a crucible of transformation.
Describing IIM Jammu as a symbol of aspiration and excellence in New India, the Chief Secretary said the institution carries the energy and potential to shape the future leaders who can contribute to the region and the nation.
Dulloo highlighted that an MBA is more than a degree, it is a holistic journey that shapes decision-making, leadership character and ethical thinking.
Speaking on India’s evolving economic and developmental landscape, the Chief Secretary observed that the country is witnessing a historic transformation through rapid digitalization, infrastructure growth, start-up momentum and global positioning. However, he stressed that along with these opportunities come challenges like climate change, social equity and sustainable development.
Touching upon the region’s rapid development, the Chief Secretary noted that Jammu & Kashmir is emerging as a hub for innovation, entrepreneurship and governance reforms. He encouraged the students to engage with the region meaningfully. He urged them not be just passive observers but be catalysts to bring the necessary change.
Drawing from his experience in public life, Dulloo offered five principles for personal and professional success. He asked for staying curious, being resilient, acting ethically with full integrity, be inclusive showing respect to diversity and leading with compassion saying that kindness is a powerful leadership characteristic.
The Chief Secretary encouraged the students to see the next two years as the foundation of a meaningful life. “Don’t just aim for a good job only aim for a good life too,” he said, urging them to build a legacy of purpose and service.
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