PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that disaster management is not the responsibility of one particular department. He said that it requires the coordinated efforts of the administration, local authority, voluntary organisations and the public.
Speaking at a workshop on preparation for a cold wave scenario on Friday, Dhami said that disaster risk mitigation has become a major agenda in the nation under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. The Uttarakhand government is also working under the PM’s guidance, laying focus on adoption of latest techniques in disaster management. The State government is enhancing drone surveillance, GIS mapping, satellite monitoring and early warning systems. The risk of damage from disasters is being mitigated through steps like installing sensors in high altitude areas, digital monitoring systems and formation of modern rapid response teams, the CM said.
“Avalanches are a serious natural threat in a Himalayan State like Uttarakhand. Various areas in the State are vulnerable to avalanche. It is the government’s top priority to make tourism, pilgrimage and mountaineering activities safe in such areas. We are consistently working on strengthening early warning systems, maximising the use of modern technology, deploying trained rescue teams and making safe tourism protocols more effective. Various concrete steps have also been taken in the State to tackle challenges posed by cold waves and heavy snowfall. All the districts have been connected to an early warning system while arrangements have been made to ensure bonfires, night shelters and woollen blankets for the needy,” the CM said.
Chief secretary Anand Bardhan, National Disaster Management Authority member Rajendra Singh, State Disaster Management Authority vice chairman Vinay Rohila and others were also present on the occasion.
