Stresses on mandatory pre-monsoon preparedness and district-level readiness
Jammu Tawi, Jan 28: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo today while reviewing the measures undertaken by the Department of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation & Reconstruction (DMRR&R) to strengthen the Union Territory’s disaster preparedness, response and mitigation framework emphasises on anticipatory action, technology-enabled early warning systems, and seamless inter-agency coordination.
During the meeting, the Chief Secretary was apprised of a comprehensive roadmap for strengthening disaster management across Jammu and Kashmir, which has been developed by incorporating lessons learnt from recent extreme weather events, post-disaster reviews and national-level consultations with agencies such as the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
Deputy Commissioners from all districts participated virtually.
The Chief Secretary urged the department to take steps for implementation of the disaster mitigation framework without further delay, stressing the need for strong inter-departmental coordination to ensure effective execution of the roadmap on the ground. He also called for regular monitoring and close supervision at senior levels to track progress and ensure accountability.
He directed the Divisional and District Administrations to ensure timely updation of their respective District Disaster Management Plans (DDMPs) and to periodically review the status of preparedness and mitigation measures undertaken at their level.
Emphasizing preparedness as the cornerstone of disaster management, the Chief Secretary underscored the mandatory conduct of pre-monsoon preparedness measures by all districts, particularly for floods and other weather-induced disasters during the April to September period, which has historically witnessed a higher frequency of such events in the UT.
The Chief Secretary called for RFID-based management of pilgrimages, particularly the Machail Mata Yatra, along with creation of the requisite supporting infrastructure along the yatra route. He also stressed the importance of conducting shrine-specific mock exercises, including at the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, to ensure coordinated and timely response during emergencies.
He further enjoined upon the Deputy Commissioners to remain vigilant in view of the risk of avalanches following recent snowfall and directed them to ensure the prompt restoration of road connectivity, drinking water supply and electricity to all affected habitations in their respective districts.
The Chief Secretary directed time-bound implementation of all agreed action points and reiterated that disaster management in Jammu and Kashmir must remain people-centric, technology-enabled and coordination-driven, with preparedness, rather than response alone, forming the cornerstone of the Union Territory’s disaster risk reduction strategy.
