DC Kathua discusses emergency preparedness, response plan at DDMA meeting

Kathua: Deputy Commissioner Kathua, Dr. RakeshMinhas, who is also the chairman of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) on Friday presided over a meeting to deliberate on emergency preparedness and response plan in the event of disasters.
The meeting extensively discussed the role and responsibilities of the stakeholders involved in rescue, relief, and rehabilitation measures in the event of natural disasters, such as earthquakes and landslides, within the district.
The meeting laid special emphasis on strengthening the committees at different levels including District, Tehsil, Block, and Panchayat. Furthermore, all concerned officers were directed to organize periodic mock drills at all levels to assess their operational readiness.
Transportation, technical teams, and medical response were among the important topics discussed during the meeting.
A special audio-video presentation was also made by the team of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), showcasing the actual drills and exercises that are undertaken during disasters.
To further assess the preparedness and efficiency of the authorities, a mock drill will be conducted on March 07, where various scenarios will be simulated to test the response capabilities.
This meeting and the subsequent mock drill highlight the commitment of the District Disaster Management Authority to ensure the safety and well-being of the residents of Kathua in the face of any potential disaster.
During the meeting, the DC emphasized the importance of involving youngsters in these mock drills. He recognized their potential as active catalysts in mobilizing human resources during exigencies. By actively engaging the youth in these drills, the DC aimed to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively respond to emergencies. Additionally, this initiative helps to instill a sense of responsibility and community participation in the younger generation. By actively involving youngsters, the DC aims to create a culture of preparedness and resilience, ensuring that the district has a capable and proactive manpower to deal with any emergency situation. Through their participation, the youth will play a crucial role in mobilizing resources and providing aid to their fellow community members during times of crisis.
The meeting was attended by officials including RTO, DSP Civil Defense, Tehsildars, CEO, CMO, Coordinator and Volunteers NYK, Secretary Red Cross, DIO, and other members of DDMA.