DC calls for strengthening disaster preparedness through Training & Community Involvement
Budgam: District administration Budgam in collaboration with the Department of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation & Reconstruction (DMRRR) Thursday conducted a one-day district-level workshop on the Incident Response System (IRS) at the District Headquarters, Budgam.
Deputy Commissioner (DC) Budgam, Dr. Bilal Mohi-ud-Din Bhat was the chief guest on the occasion. The workshop witnessed the participation of Additional Deputy Commissioner Budgam, all Sub-Divisional Magistrates, senior district officers, Tehsildars, Executive Officers and Resource persons from Department of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (DMRRR).
The objective of the workshop was to familiarize and train field officers and functionaries about the Incident Response System, which is a structured mechanism to ensure prompt and effective response to disasters by defining clear roles and responsibilities.
Speaking on the occasion, DC stressed the urgent need for building a robust, coordinated, and practical disaster management framework at the district level. He said that disaster preparedness is not just the responsibility of one department, but requires inter-departmental coordination, community involvement, and proactive planning.
Dr Bilal highlighted that Budgam, being a fast-developing district, is exposed to risks ranging from earthquakes, floods, fires, and landslides to road accidents and man-made hazards. He said, “Our preparedness Thursday will determine how effectively we can save lives, protect property, and restore normalcy tomorrow.”
He urged the officers to take such workshops seriously and translate the knowledge into ground-level readiness.
DC emphasised the importance of mock drills, capacity building, communication networks, and resource mapping in strengthening the district’s disaster response system.
He further assured that the district administration will provide every possible support in terms of training, resources, and coordination to ensure that officers are equipped with the right skills and strategies to handle emergencies.
The resource persons from the Disaster Management department delivered detailed technical sessions on the Incident Response System framework, chain of command, and operational responsibilities of officers during different stages of disaster response. They explained how IRS ensures a clear line of authority, better coordination among multiple agencies, efficient use of resources, and quick decision-making during emergencies.
They also demonstrated case studies of past disasters, highlighting the lessons learned and best practices that can be replicated at the district level. Practical insights were shared on incident planning, logistics management, rescue operations, relief distribution, and rehabilitation efforts.
Further, the experts stressed the importance of community participation, role of first responders, and inter-departmental synergy in making the disaster management system more effective. Participants were also guided on how to prepare micro-level action plans, communication strategies, and resource inventories to ensure swift and efficient response.
The workshop concluded with an interactive Q&A session, where officers shared local challenges, and resource persons provided practical solutions to strengthen preparedness and response capacity across Budgam district.
