Veeri formally launches ‘Sustainable Reduction in disaster Risk’ national scheme

Anantnag, Poonch will get Rs 50 lakh for disaster mitigation preparation

ANANTNAG, OCTOBER 31: Minister for Revenue, Relief Rehabilitation and Reconstruction, Abdul Rehman Veeri today formally launched national level scheme ‘Sustainable Reduction in disaster Risk’ aimed to mitigate disasters.

Central government has selected two districts from J&K including district Anantnag and Poonch for building capacity at institutional and community level for mitigations of disasters under the scheme.

These districts would get a funding of Rs 50 lakh each for two years for putting in place required infrastructure, awareness and training for reducing the impact of disasters.

In an impressive function organised by State Disaster Management Authority in collaboration with District Administration Anantnag, in which Deputy Commissioner Anantnag, Younis Ahmed Malik, SSP Anantnag Altaf Ahmed Khan, Dr G.M. Dar (Head Disaster Management IMPA) ,Director Disaster Management Aamir Ali  and other senior officers all concerned departments were present besides disaster management volunteers were present.

On the occasion, the Minister asked the officers to put in a proper disaster risk reduction recovery plan for the district besides saying that sustainable reduction in risk leads to sustainable environment.

The Minister said that more measures are being implanted to put in place institutionalized mechanism at various levels.

He also said that given the challenge to cope up with man-made and natural disasters, it is important to deal with the disasters in a professional way.

He also appreciated the efforts of officials in training 300 volunteers in disaster risk management and said that they would be first responders in their localities and would be equipped will all equipments and training for the job.

“It is imperative to train and support volunteers in each district for mitigation of impact of disasters. Even in this age of modern technology, we cannot predict calamities like earthquake, cloud bursts. In such a scenario, it is important that we must be prepared for it so that response can be effective and losses can be minimized,” he said.

Lauding the role of volunteers in saving people during 2014 floods, he said that “neighbours and friends are first to reach in such situations and it is important to train volunteers from every locality.”

Veeri also stressed on creating awareness about the role and responsibilities of people during disasters and forming inventory of  all equipments, boats, vehicles which can be used in disasters.

Deputy Commissioner Anantnag informed the gathering that land has been identified for the District Emergency Operation Centre and other modalities are being worked out to set up the centre soon.

He also said that disaster management teams have been formed at village level involving officials as well as local village committees.