Port Blair, Feb 08 : In continuation to the 3 day programme on Workshop-cum-training on Disaster Management being conducted in Sub-Division, Great Nicobar, on its second day the Assistant Commissioner, Campbell Bay in coordination with the Directorate of Disaster Management, A & N Administration organized One day Workshop-Cum-Training Programme on Community Based Disaster Risk Management (CBDRM)for the PRI members, Tribal Village Council and Line Departments of Campbell Bay at the ALHW Conference Hall at Campbell Bay on 08-02-2017. The main objective of the programme is to integrate community in Pre, During and Post Disaster Activities, with focus on creating a Volunteer Task Force at Gram Panchayat and Tribal Village Council level, preparation of Disaster Management Plans of Gram Panchayats and Tribal Villages to enhance the capacities as a first responder.
On this occasion Dr. Mohd. Rehan Raza, Assistant Commissioner, Great Nicobar welcomed the gathering. He said “training proves to be the key ingredient to handling any disaster” “wishing won’t keep you safe, safety will”. He emphasized “we cannot stop natural disaster but we can arm ourself with knowledge” “so many lives wouldn’t have to be lost if there was enough disaster preparedness” He also spoke on the disaster preparedness efforts of the Administration and the role of PRIs, Tribal Village Council and the community who can play in further strengthening the preparedness levels. The PRIs & Tribal Village Council was requested to participate enthusiastically in making the programme a success particularly in view of the fact that the islands are vulnerable to various kinds of threats/disasters during the power point presentation of District Administration. A Mock drill excises will be conducted at Campbell Bay in a simulated environment to assess the preparedness level of all the department of Campbell Bay in the event of any disaster.
Shri. Shyamnath, Executive Engineer, APWD, Campbell Bay appreciated the initiative and also shared experiences in the field. He urged participants to actively participate and make the objectives of the programme a reality, which would go a long way in enhancing the preparedness level of the community as a whole. Shri. Gagandeep Singh, Zilla Parishad Member and Shri. Raja, Pradhan, Campbell Bay also spoke on the occasion.
During the technical session, Shri Gyan Singh, Assistant Director (Logistics)(DM), A&N Administration explained the Vulnerability profile of Andaman and Nicobar Islands by using animated power point presentation and also explain the importance of CBDRM at Village level to tackle disaster like situation in future at grass root level by the community at their own level. He also highlighted the role of Directorate of Disaster Management and importance of CBDRM (to be implemented in 52 Tribal Village Council and 70 Gram Panchayats of A&N Islands) and its role in making community safer. The participants were also made aware about the Vulnerability profile of Andaman & Nicobar Islands and the preparedness levels of A& N Administration.
Shri Deen Mohammed, Safety Officer, Directorate of Disaster Management elaborated on Emergency Communication and Early Warning System of ANI and also on various communication elements that render an institution “well prepared” to manage events during a disaster. He also stressed to prepare the Disaster Management Kit in each household.
Shri Janik Ram, Assistant Director (Admn) dwelt with in detail about the preparation of Gram Panchayats & Tribal Village Councils Disaster Management Plan and about the constitution of village task forces with their roles and responsibilities in different phases of time (Before, During and After).
Shri. Ravi Ranjan, Sub-Inspector, NDRF presented different techniques and procedure of rescue operation during emergency in disasters including MFR (Medical First Responders) and SAR (Search & Rescue).
Shri. T. Ram Chander, Head Constable, Fire Service, Campbell Bay along with his team explained and demonstrated various classes of fire and exhibited different types of fire extinguishers. He also made the participants aware on the precautions to taken during fire operation by any lay man.
In the concluding session Shri. Mahendra Roy, Tehsildar, Campbell Bay urged all Pradhans of Gram Panchayats and Captains of Tribal Village Council of Great Nicobar to prepare Gram Panchayat & Tribal Village Council Disaster Management Plan immediately and constitute Volunteer Task Forces in each Gram Panchayat & Tribal Village Council and desires to organize a similar type of workshop at Gram Panchayat & Tribal Village level also. He further requested to all participant to cooperate and make this programme a grand success.
In total, 160 participants were trained at Great Nicobar Islands. In the end the Tehsildar, Campbell Bay thanked the Revenue Department, Campbell Bay and the Directorate of Disaster Management and its team for their efforts in training the people.
