Port Blair, Apr 13: Improvement in the emergency communication, warning system and greater community participation & public awareness is the key and pre-requisite for these Islands to deal with natural disasters, said the Lt Governor, A&N Islands, Lt Gen. A.K. Singh (Retd) while launching the Community Based Disaster Risk Management Programme for these Islands at a function held in the conference hall of the Zila Parishad here today.
Speaking on the occasion as the chief guest, the Lt. Governor said that we should be well prepared to handle disasters in an effective manner as our Islands fall under seismic zone V and are prone to disasters. Mentioning about the different types of disasters, natural and manmade, the Lt. Governor underlined the need for having equipments ranging from simple tools to sophisticated machines to handle the natural disasters like tsunami & cyclones. The Lt. Governor also asked the Administration to remain prepared in the face of any manmade disasters like oil spillage or accident at sea, terrorist attack etc. He also underlined the need for having at-least two desalination plant on a pilot project basis, to handle the situation in case of failure of monsoon in the Islands.
“Disaster preparedness is the responsibility of all”, said the Lt Governor, calling for community participation, the members of which, are the first responders in case of any disaster. Highlighting the significance of community participation in any disaster, the Lt Governor said “everyone should know about their immediate role, responsibility and actions in the event of disaster. The first course of action, during a disaster lies with the individual and the community, followed by rescue, relief and rehabilitation by the local authorities”. He exhorted the PRIs to play a vital role in reaching out to the people under their respective jurisdictions, during disaster, to carry out immediate rescue works. “Since disaster knows no boundary, its management has to be a unified approach”, he said informing about the forthcoming table top exercise that will be undertaken in the Islands, during Sept/ Oct- 2015 wherein handling different kinds of disasters will be discussed.
Terming disaster management a continuous process, the Lt. Governor stated disaster management in these islands is today focused on Tsunami, but we have to look beyond it. He also cautioned people against constructing huge multistoried buildings, as these are not only done in gross violation of municipal by- laws, but are also dangerous considering our geographical location, putting the lives of people at risk.
The Lt. Governor also asked the Principal Secretary, Disaster Management to identify different kinds of disasters and indicate nodal departments / officers to handle the same while the Department of Disaster Management will be the overall nodal agency.
The Lt. Governor also informed the gathering about the starting of Delhi-Vizag-Port Blair flight, fulfilling the long pending demand of the Islanders and said that the islanders will be given concessional tickets on the Vizag- Port Blair sector. He further mentioned that once the night landing permission is obtained, a charter flight will also be operated in Port Blair – Kolkata Sector, as Air India has offered to provide a night flight only for the purpose. The Lt. Governor also requested the citizens to plan their journey in advance, as far as possible, to avoid high air fare. The Lt Governor also asked the Principal Secretary, Aviation to keep some tickets under his control which can be released in any emergent situation to people, 48 hours before the flight time.
The Lt Governor also hailed the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modiji for bringing a remarkable and positive change in the country and its work culture. He also appealed to all the employees of the Administration to maintain decorum and refrain from any wrong doings, tarnishing the very image of the Administration. “Running the Administration is a team work and we all should work positively towards this direction”, affirmed the Lt Governor.
Still shaken by the recent unfortunate incident at the swimming pool here where a 13 year old school boy, Sumit, died due to drowning, the Lt. Governor expressed his deep empathy for the family members of the deceased. The Lt Governor said that officers/officials in various Departments are responsible and will be held accountable, as in the case of the swimming pool incident where 3 officials have been suspended. He also cautioned the officials against leaking official papers as has become the practice here. Anyone caught on this count will be taken to task.
In his address, the Chief Secretary (i/c), Shri Raajiv Yadhuvanshi said the constant threats of natural disaster cannot be undermined in these Islands due to its sensitive geographical location. He also informed that a group from Japan on visit to the Islands recently, saw the disaster management preparedness of the A&N Islands and expressed happiness over it. They have also offered to further assist the A&N Administration in this regard, the Chief Secretary added.
Speaking on the occasion, the Adhyaksha, Zilla Parishad, South Andaman, Ms.V.K. Mariam Bibi said, being well prepared in advance can be of great help in mitigating disasters. She called upon each and every individual to contribute their mite in dealing with disasters. “It is only through collective efforts that we can jointly transform the objectives and schemes of CBDRM Programme into reality”, echoed the Adhyaksha, ZP South Andaman.
In his address, the Commissioner- cum- Secretary, Disaster Management, Shri Mohanjeet Singh gave an overview about Community Based Disaster Risk Management Programme (CBDRMP). He also informed that CBDRMP will cover 69 Gram Panchayats and 52 Tribal village Councils of the A & N Islands.
The Chairperson, PBMC, Shri M. Arumugam, Senior officers of the Administration, heads of the Departments, members of the three – tier Panchayati Raj Instititution were present on the occasion.
Earlier, welcoming the chief guest and others present on the occasion, the Director, Disaster Management, Shri A.K. Sharma highlighted Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) being adopted in meeting any exigencies during disasters. The inaugural function concluded with the vote of thanks proposed by Dy. Director Disaster Management, Shri Sanjay Balan.
As per the directions of the Lt Governor, the Secretary Education, Shri Devinder Singh held a discussion and appraised the gathering about the New Education Policy which is under consultative process, by the Ministry of Human Resource Development. The Secretary apprised the PRIs members in detail about the broad themes on school education and higher education and urged them to submit their suggestions in this regard.
Later, as part of the inception workshop, a technical session was also held wherein resource persons from the Department of Disaster Management, NDRF and Directorate of Health Services presented papers on relevant topics.
