Proposal to be placed before Cabinet shortly
Mohinder Verma
JAMMU, July 19: In a major step towards bolstering disaster preparedness in the Union Territory, the Finance Department has accorded its concurrence for the creation of a dedicated Directorate of Disaster Management in Jammu and Kashmir. The proposal will now be placed before the Cabinet for final approval.
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Official sources told EXCELSIOR that earlier this year, the Department of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction mooted a proposal for establishment of a dedicated Directorate of Disaster Management in the Union Territory. After obtaining the approval of the competent authority, the proposal was submitted to the Finance Department for concurrence.
“Now, the Finance Department has given its nod to the proposal and the same will be placed before the Cabinet headed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah shortly for final approval”, they said, adding “not much financial implication is involved in the establishment of Directorate of Disaster Management as its functioning will be ensured through internal arrangement of manpower presently deployed in Emergency Operation Centre”.
They further said, “the step will go a long way in enhancing the Union Territory’s ability to respond to and manage natural disasters”, adding “the initiative aims to strengthen disaster preparedness, response and mitigation strategies across the UT, which is vulnerable to various hazards”.
Given that Jammu and Kashmir is highly prone to a range of natural disasters-including earthquakes, floods, landslides and avalanches the establishment of a specialized Directorate is expected to go a long way in improving preparedness, planning and response capabilities across the region.
“The hilly terrain and fragile ecosystem of J&K, coupled with increasingly erratic weather patterns, make it one of the most vulnerable regions in the country. Over the years, several disasters have exposed gaps in early warning, coordination and rapid response systems. The new Directorate aims to address these challenges through a structured and institutionalized approach”, sources said.
The Directorate will be tasked with the formulation and implementation of comprehensive disaster management plans, coordination of emergency response activities and dissemination of disaster risk reduction strategies. It will also play a vital role in training manpower, creating public awareness and ensuring that timely and effective response mechanisms are in place.
“This dedicated body will help ensure that J&K is better equipped to deal with both natural and man-made disasters, while also enhancing community-level resilience and minimizing loss of life and property”, sources said while terming the initiative as a proactive and forward looking measure.
A senior officer of the Department of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction, which will have administrative control over the Directorate, said, “the move reflects the UT administration’s commitment to protecting lives and securing long-term safety of its citizens. Once approved by the Cabinet, the Directorate will be formally notified and made operational”.
Regarding the hazard profile of J&K, the officer said, “as far as earthquakes are concerned, most parts of Kashmir Valley along with Doda, Ramban and Kishtwar in Jammu region fall under Seismic Zone V (very high damage risk zone) while the rest of the UT fall under the Seismic Zone IV (high damage risk zone)”.
“All low-lying areas of the Kashmir valley along with parts of Jammu region are prone to floods. Moreover, upper catchments of all the tributaries of the Jhelum, Indus, Chenab and Tawi rivers are prone to flash floods”, he said, adding “all higher reaches of Kashmir division and Doda, Ramban, Kishtwar, Banihal areas of Jammu region face avalanches and snow storms”.
Similarly, areas along major highways particularly Ramban, Panthial, Banihal are vulnerable to landslides. Doda, Udhampur, Kathua, Kishtwar, Gulmarg, Dawar, Gurez, Tangdhar and Rajouri are landslide prone.
“Jammu and Kashmir frequently faces several other natural and man-made disasters as such the establishment of a dedicated Directorate is imperative for effective disaster management and coordinated response”, the officer said.
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