Shri Kiren Rijiju expresses satisfaction on steps for disaster risk reduction
An effective response is a result of good preparedness, Dr. P.K. Mishra
The Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Shri Kiren Rijiju has said that greater the efforts into Disaster Risk Reduction, the lesser the effort required into post-disaster response. Speaking at the valedictory function of the National Workshop organised by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) on Strengthening National Response Capabilities" here today, Shri Rijiju said that as the 'UN Designated Disaster Risk Reduction Champion for Asia Region', greater attention is now being paid in the country to Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR). The Government of India has taken measurable and sustainable steps to reduce disaster risk within and outside its boundaries, he added. An effective response is a result of good preparedness, Dr. P.K. Mishra
The Minister further said that as the first step towards Disaster Risk Reduction, country has to ensure that natural habitats are not disturbed. The systems which are in harmony with the nature are to be developed. There should be emphasis on earthquake resistant housing designs which are drawn from the traditional practices while at the same time nature is not disturbed or excessively exploited. This will ensure the aesthetics and comfort in normal times and minimal damage in times of disaster, Shri Rijiju mentioned.
He said that our country is highly vulnerable particularly to natural disasters of varying magnitude. He said that the unplanned and poorly executed human settlements, unsafe building practices and high density population, particularly in the urban areas, have further compounded the complex matrix of hazards, risks and vulnerabilities of the region.
Shri Rijiju said that the government alone will not be able to meet this challenge on its own. He mentioned that various Disaster Management authorities in the States, NDRF, National Institute of Disaster Management, Educational Institutions, NGOs are actively involved in this and we need to synchronize these efforts for best results. Keeping this in view, Government had judiciously decided for induction of two more battalions of NDRF at Varanasi and Itanagar which are being made operational in a time bound manner, he added.
On the occasion Shri Rijiju launched the NDRF web portal and the nationwide campaign Mai Tulsi Tere Angan Ki", an initiative to Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao programme. He also released a coffee table book on NDRF and presented medals to the NDRF personnel for rendering meritorious service.
During the day, the workshop included two sessions to discuss on subjects like making India response ready to face disasters and emergency medical management.
Earlier in the day, Dr. P.K. Mishra, Addl. Principal Secretary, Prime Ministers Office appreciated the role and contribution of NDRF and NDMA at the national and international level.
Dr. P.K. Mishra also released NDRF manuals, Standing Operating Procedure during disasters and a book by Shri O.P. Singh, Director General, NDRF on the recent disaster in Nepal.
Dr. P.K. Mishra said that actions and activities are to be taken prior to, during and immediately after a hazardous event, aimed at limiting injuries, loss of lives and damage to property and environment. As disaster management professionals, one must appreciate that response operations usually have to be carried out under very difficult and more often than not traumatic conditions, with heavy demands on personnel, equipment, and scarce logistics resources, he added.
Dr. P.K. Mishra said that the challenge lies in having a system which can cope with uncertainties in terms of time, place and duration of the disaster. He said that the intricate inter-relationship between planning and response, utilization of resources and significance of Standard Operating Procedures for response agencies needs to be understood. He said that an effective response is a function of good preparedness.
Dr. P.K. Mishra said that the efficacy and effectiveness of response will depend on preparedness, to which aspects such as technology, capacity building, media management and humanitarian logistics tools can contribute a great deal.
Shri O.P.Singh, Director General, NDRF in his welcome address explained about the achievements and highlights of NDRF during the last one decade. He mentioned that the force has been performing to its fullest capacity in relief and rescue operations during disasters.
The workshop was attended by representatives from National Disaster Management Authority, National Institute of Disaster Management, States Disaster Response Force, States Disaster Management Authority, Ministry of Home Affairs and heads of Central Armed Police Forces.
