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State Disaster Management Policy needs to be updated in case of eventuality

Subodh Bhasin. Dated: 7/21/2018 11:16:13 AM

Subodh Bhasin
Jammu, July 20
Jammu and Kashmir State in the past has witnessed several disasters occurred due to natural calamities as well as other reasons due to unique geographical and climatic conditions. Jammu And Kashmir State has long history and remains prone to disasters in the past as well as in future also.
Talking into Consideration State Disaster Management Policy need to be put in place effectively as such in case of any eventuality like floods and catastrophic earthquakes the loss of lives and property can be saved to a larger extent.
Every time there is any kind of disaster the people as well as the state of Jammu and Kashmir has paid heavily and taking into consideration the losses State Government formulated State Disaster Management Policy to adopt pro-active, comprehensive and multi-hazard approach towards disaster risk reduction and management. The Disaster Management Policy should be aimed at putting a thrust on capacity building in the domain of disaster risk reduction probably in the areas which are prone to disasters.
For these state of the art techniques with regard to technical, planning, analysis and training wing of the State Disaster Management Authority need to be upgraded. As of now State level institute responsible for Disaster Management are lacking in certain areas to play crucial role in capacity building, research, development of strategy for State-specific prevention and mitigation measures, carrying out hazard, vulnerability and risk assessment.
In the two capital states of Jammu and Kashmir along with several districts which are prone to disasters there is dire need for appropriate technical and professional staff besides other functionaries, infrastructure and adequate funds and time to time providing training in disaster risk reduction as per policy should be inculcated implement the Disaster Management Policy in letter and spirit.
As such in most of the cases whenever disaster took place the major responsibility is relied on Fire and Emergency Services Department which is reeling under acute shortage of manpower whereas more battalions needed to be raised in State Disaster Response Force (SDRF).