CS reviews implementation of IRS in J&K

Srinagar: In a significant move to enhance disaster preparedness and response, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo led a high-level meeting to assess the implementation of the Incident Response System (IRS) in Jammu and Kashmir.
The IRS aims to replace ad-hoc disaster response measures with a structured, coordinated, and efficient framework. Key officials, including Principal Secretaries and Directors from various departments, participated in the meeting, with Deputy Commissioners joining virtually. The Chief Secretary emphasized the necessity of resource mapping at the district level and instructed the Disaster Management Department to provide formats and guidelines to support this initiative. He highlighted the region’s susceptibility to both natural and man-made disasters, advocating for operational readiness through regular mock drills, assessments, and effective coordination to ensure timely emergency responses. Principal Secretary Chandraker Bharti outlined the IRS’s primary goal of establishing a unified command structure with clearly defined roles for disaster response teams, aimed at minimizing loss of life and property. The system includes trained teams capable of managing all disaster response aspects, thereby improving accountability and operational efficiency. Key milestones in the IRS implementation were discussed, including a UT-level notification issued on June 24, 2025, which assigned roles to the Incident Response Team. A workshop held on July 18, 2025, in Srinagar familiarized officers with their responsibilities under the IRS and introduced an IRS handbook detailing the operational framework. District-level training sessions are planned from August 19 to October 6, 2025. The meeting also reviewed the designation of key IRS roles in Jammu and Kashmir, with the Chief Secretary serving as the Responsible Officer and various other officials assigned specific command roles. Effective implementation plans include notifying IRS structures at divisional and district levels in consultation with District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs) and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). The focus remains on sensitizing DDMAs to establish IRS structures, develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), conduct monthly Incident Response Team meetings, perform regular mock drills, and ensure mandatory training for all designated officers. The Department of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation & Reconstruction (DMRR&R) is dedicated to building a resilient and disaster-ready Jammu and Kashmir through structured systems, capacity building, and community engagement.