RAMBAN, JULY 08: Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Imtiaz today chaired a significant Sub-Division Level Disaster Management and Coordination Meeting at Gool. The meeting aimed to enhance disaster preparedness, improve inter-departmental coordination, and implement effective relief measures against natural hazards like floods, landslides, and cloudbursts.
The meeting gathered key officials, including Tehsildar Harjeet Singh, SDPO Kuldeep Raj, Naib Tehsildar Inktikhab Ahmed, and Sub-Divisional Agriculture Officer (SDAO) Sanjay Sharma. Representatives from departments such as Jal Shakti, PWD, PMGSY, Health, Police, and others also participated, ensuring comprehensive coverage of disaster management efforts.
The SDM initiated a detailed review of the existing disaster management plan, focusing on available personnel, machinery, essential commodities, and the operational readiness of control rooms and communication systems within the sub-division. Amid the approaching monsoon season, Imtiaz directed all involved departments to maintain a high alert and to ensure constant monitoring of vulnerable areas prone to landslides and flash floods.
“Proactive measures and seamless coordination are vital in emergency situations,” remarked the SDM during the discussions. He instructed the Jal Shakti, PWD, and PMGSY departments to identify high-risk locations and prepare restoration teams alongside necessary machinery for immediate deployment.
Additionally, the Health department received instructions to guarantee the availability of medicines, ambulances, and medical personnel at Community Health Centre (CHC) Gool and Primary Health Centres (PHCs). In conjunction, the FCS&CA department committed to maintaining a buffer stock of essential rations, while the Power Development Department (PDD) was tasked with ensuring backup power supply arrangements.
Furthermore, the SDM urged Tehsildars and Naib Tehsildars to conduct regular assessments in areas typically affected by disasters. They were encouraged to keep updated records of disaster-prone locations and to foster public awareness about safety measures during such events.
“Community involvement is essential for effective disaster response,” stated the SDM. He called on locals to share information regarding preventive steps to take during disasters to reduce risks and enhance safety.
The police force and 23 RR were assigned to support rescue and evacuation operations, while representatives from Beacon were instructed to focus on restoring road access promptly in case of blockages due to landslides.
In conclusion, the SDM reaffirmed that prioritizing the safety of lives and property remains the administration’s foremost objective. He expressed confidence that through effective coordination and swift responses from all agencies involved, along with public cooperation, they could significantly minimize the impact of disasters.
