The Chief Secretary, A&N Administration reviewed the Disaster Preparedness of the Union Territory in a meeting held on 07/09/2015 at Conference Hall of Megapode Resort. The meeting was organized by Directorate of Disaster Management. The conference was attended by Director General of Police, Chief of Staff (ANC), Pr. Chief Conservator of Forest, Pr. Secretary (Revenue/Shipping), Commissioner-cum-Secretary (DM&RR), other Secretaries and stakeholders including Deputy Commissioners of the Districts.
In his welcome address, the Commissioner-cum-Secretary (DM&RR) gave a brief overview of the Disaster Preparedness level of the Administration. He also highlighted the efforts of the Administration in implementation of National School Safety Programme (NSSP), setting up of remotely controlled Sirens at 35 vulnerable locations, implementation of Community Based Disaster Risk Management Programme (CBDRM), setting up of Doppler Weather Radar, GPS observatories and Automated Weather Stations in ANI etc. It was emphasized that these projects, coupled with the efforts in conduct of Mock Exercise and other capacity building measures, would immensely augment the disaster preparedness efforts in the Territory.
This was followed by presentation by Dy. Commissioners on disaster preparedness in Districts, which also highlighted the system of coordination with line departments, status of pending relief in the Districts as well as the constraints i.e. areas where there are deficiencies and assistance/help is required.
During the interaction, Chief of Staff, A&N Command suggested that procurement of heavy machinery for outlying remote Islands needs to be taken by giving due consideration to the facilities available in these Islands including their handling at Jetties etc. He also suggested to review operational readiness of Jetties, Ports and Helipads of the Territory.
The Principal Secretary (Shipping) informed that necessary action in this regard has already been initiated by the Ports department.
The Pr. Chief Conservator of Forest stated that the major area concern for Forest Department is forest fires. The Forest Department does have sufficient VHF sets and have also designated mobile squads for tackling such emergencies. However the PCCF expressed concern regarding effect of oil spillage in sea, particularly in Nicobar District.
The Director (Shipping/CPA) informed that a proposal for augmenting the pollution control measures is already on the anvil. Central Government is likely to provide 50% of funds required for the purpose and the remaining 50% will be borne by Indian Oil Corporation. Training of Port Management Board alongwith Indian Coast Guard is mandated under this and a detailed plan is being prepared.
As far as Police is concerned the Director General of Police informed that Standard Operating Procedure are already place, which are being updated from time to time. Mock Exercise and Liaison with other departments are constantly maintained/undertaken.
The Chief Secretary, A&N Administration emphasized importance of such conferences in the Territory keeping in view the vulnerability of these Islands to various kinds of disaster. He appreciated the work done so far but also asked all concerned to constantly update their efforts and preparedness levels. He stressed on pooling of resources and to take comprehensive stock of situation in order to reduce the response time. He also stressed on inventory updation and its management for having a proper planning perspective and proper assessment of logistics. The CS directed the Directorate of Disaster Management to have close interaction with A&N Command for better planning and incorporating good practices in the Standard Operating Procedures of the line departments. He also emphasized on the need to have closer interaction with schools, PRIs and community so that all are involved by inculcating a sense of pride in participating in disaster preparedness efforts.
